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Jane Brown

Assistant Public Defender / Racial Justice Act Unit Head
Alameda County Public Defender’s Office

Jane Brown is an Assistant Public Defender and the head of the Racial Justice Act Unit at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office. Over the course of her 20-year career as a public defender, she has mentored and supervised law clerks and attorneys while representing a diverse group of clients, including those facing serious felony and capital cases.

Previously, Jane served as the first Black lead attorney of her office’s homicide team, where she tried homicide cases. She now leads the office’s newly created Racial Justice Act Unit, litigating RJA claims and consulting with and training attorneys on how to address race in their practice. Dedicated to providing training on racial justice issues within the criminal legal system, Jane believes that reflecting on our own positionality in society can help us recognize the positive influence we hold and strengthen our ability to better serve our communities.