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Office of the County Counsel
Office of the County Counsel
headshot of Sterling Larnerd, short blond hair, blue jacket and button up

Sterling Larnerd

Deputy County Counsel

Overview

Sterling Larnerd joined the Office of the County Counsel in 2022.  As a member of both the Public Safety and Justice Team and the Jail Reform and Custody Operations Team, she advises the County’s criminal justice and emergency response agencies.  Sterling serves as counsel to the Office of the Sheriff, providing general legal representation and advice.  

Prior to joining the Office, Sterling served as Staff Attorney at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  Previously, Sterling gained broad experience in criminal justice law and policy as a public defender and civil rights advocate, including hundreds of court appearances in state and federal courts, at trial and on appeal.  Sterling’s professional expertise includes criminal law and procedure, constitutional violations and civil liberties, habeas corpus and post-conviction remedies, sentencing mitigation and alternatives, and legal writing.     

Office practice areas
  • ​​Jail Reform and Custody Operations Team 
  • Public Safety and Justice Team 
Education
  • Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 2001  
    • Syracuse Journal of International of Law and Commerce, Form & Accuracy Editor  
    • George C. McCrillis Public Interest Scholar  
    • New York State Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award 
  • Florida International University, B.A., Political Science, 1998  
    • NASA Project VISION Fellow  
Certifications
  • Comparative Criminal Justice Certificate, Trinity College Dublin, 1999 
Prior experience
  • Lecturer at Santa Clara University School of Law (2021-present)  
  • Staff Attorney at U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (2010-2022)  
  • Sole Practitioner (2005-2010)  
  • Assistant Public Defender at Alexandria Office of the Public Defender (2001-2004)