BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Jano Mattaeo, an 18-year veteran of the Kern County Public Defender's Office who currently supervises the preliminary hearing unit, has been named Chief Deputy Public Defender. Mattaeo said he was honored by the appointment. "Our mission is to ensure everyone has a voice in the courtroom, and we remain steadfast in fighting for the rights of every resident of Kern County and California," he said in a release. "I look forward to continuing my career alongside the brightest and most dedicated clerical staff, investigators, and attorneys in our community." Before joining the Public Defender’s Office, Mattaeo served as in-house counsel for National Health Services Inc., now known as OMNI.  Mattaeo has litigated more than 100 jury trials, including murder cases -- securing numerous acquittals, according to the release. It goes on to say he "brings a wealth of experience, skill, integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to justice to his new role." Mattaeo is licensed to practice law in both California and New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and his Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law.