Section 15400 Of Chapter 1. General Provisions From California Government Code >> Division 3. >> Title 2. >> Part 7. >> Chapter 1.

. The Governor shall appoint a State Public Defender, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The State Public Defender shall be a member of the State Bar, shall have been a member of the State Bar during the five years preceding appointment, and shall have had substantial experience in the representation of accused or convicted persons in criminal or juvenile proceedings during that time.