California Code, Government Code - GOV § 15402

The State Public Defender may employ deputies and other employees, contract with county public defenders, private attorneys, and nonprofit corporations, and establish and operate offices, as they may need for the proper performance of their duties. The State Public Defender may provide for participation by those attorneys and organizations in the performance of State Public Defender's duties. The attorneys and organizations shall serve under the supervision and control of the State Public Defender and shall be compensated for their services either under those contracts or in the manner provided in Section 1241 of the Penal Code.

The State Public Defender may also enter into reciprocal or mutual assistance agreements with the board of supervisors of one or more counties to provide for exchange of personnel for the purposes set forth in Section 27707.1.