Public Defender Settles In

From The Monterey (California) Herald:

When Jim Egar was a young attorney, he tried to get a job in the Monterey County criminal justice system. Decades later, he’s finally succeeded.

After six months of professional adjustment and bi-county living, Egar is settling in as the county’s new public defender. And he’s getting high marks from his employees and colleagues in the legal community.

“He’s very congenial, very personable. He’s been great with me,” said Assistant Public Defender Allan Kleinkopf, who was a finalist for the job and considered retiring if he didn’t get it. “He’s also an excellent attorney. People can go to him for expertise.”

Egar said he’s enjoying the job and the county, especially now that he’s moved his family to the Monterey Peninsula from Santa Barbara. Egar’s wife, Lori, and their two youngest children remained in the southland until recently to avoid moving in midsemester.

With his children happily settled into area schools and his wife, a nurse, looking for a job at a local hospital, Egar said the family is putting down roots. The Egars also have three grown children.

“I hope we can finish my career here,” he said.

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