Clayman Loses Bid for L.A. Defender Job
Ventura County Public Defender Kenneth I. Clayman, one of five candidates for Los Angeles County public defender, was notified Tuesday that another applicant has been selected for the job.
Clayman said he was not disappointed by the announcement.
“I have a wonderful job in a wonderful office in a beautiful community,” he said. “I am happy to be here. That’s exactly how I feel.”
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors selected 49-year-old Michael P. Judge as the new public defender effective May 1, a board spokesman said. Judge is one of two assistant public defenders in Los Angeles County.
Clayman, a 52-year-old Camarillo resident, described Judge as an “outstanding member of the public defender’s office.” He said he was happy for him.
Despite his expressed enjoyment of supervising the 37-lawyer office in Ventura County, Clayman said he could not pass up the chance to apply for the job in Los Angeles County. It is the largest public defender’s office in the nation with nearly 600 attorneys.
He earns $99,000 as Ventura County public defender. The Los Angeles County job pays up to $149,809.
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