San Francisco DA accused of nepotism in staff appointment

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is under scrutiny following the promotion of Monifa Willis, a close friend, to chief of staff, marking a controversial first for the office as Willis lacks a law degree. Jenkins initially hired Willis in 2022 to lead the Victim Services Division, and her recent promotion has raised eyebrows among local politicians and former employees, who allege that the move exemplifies nepotism. Critics argue that Willis's appointment reflects a troubling disregard for qualifications, with one former employee stating, “Nepotism erodes public trust.” Despite the backlash, Jenkins defended her decision, asserting that Willis's experience outside the legal field warranted the promotion. The District Attorney’s Office maintained that there was no conflict of interest, emphasizing that Willis was chosen for her unique background. Jenkins expressed pride in Willis's role, despite the growing concerns surrounding the appointment. Willis, who continues to teach at the University of California, San Francisco, earns a combined income of $400,000 from both positions. This dual role has raised questions about compliance with DA policies that discourage outside employment that could interfere with job responsibilities. The DA’s Office claimed that Willis received verbal approval for her teaching position, stating that her class schedule does not hinder her performance in the office. Former DA chief of staff David Campos voiced skepticism about the feasibility of managing both roles, highlighting the demanding nature of the position. The situation continues to unfold as public trust in the District Attorney's Office hangs in the balance.