Adjunct Law Professor
- JD, 2014, Georgetown University
- BA, 2011, Temple University
Kaitlyn McCarthy is an attorney with the County of San Diego Office of the Public Defender. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Kaitlyn has been working as a public defender for over a decade. After serving as a trial attorney, Kaitlyn began leading the PC1172.1 resentencing unit at its inception in 2022. Kaitlyn worked tirelessly with justice partners to create a process for resolving resentencing cases under new legislation, a process that has become the statewide standard under AB600. In addition to leading the resentencing unit, Kaitlyn serves as Grant Coordinator for the Public Defender, proposing and managing grant funding for cutting edge holistic defense units. Kaitlyn teaches at the University of San Diego School of Law and San Diego Community College Miramar.
Areas of Expertise
Professor McCarthy teaches Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Trial Advocacy- Criminal.
Honors and Affiliations
Professor McCarthy was named Public Defender of the Year by the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association in 2025.