Deputy Chief -Public Defenders

Summary

The Deputy Chief Public Defender supports the Chief Public Defender in managing and overseeing the operations of the Public Defender’s Office. This leadership role is responsible for supervising staff attorneys, investigators, and administrative personnel; ensuring high-quality legal representation for clients; helping to set strategic direction; and maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards. The Deputy Chief also acts as Chief Public Defender in their absence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the daily operations of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate attorneys, investigators, and support staff.
• Oversee case assignments and monitor caseloads to ensure effective representation.
• Handle complex or high-profile cases as needed.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff performance and legal skills.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, and disciplinary processes.
• Promote office-wide adherence to ethical standards and defense best practices.
• Collaborate with courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in budget preparation, grant writing, and resource allocation.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and policy development to improve public defense services.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the office in public forums, when delegated.
• Act as liaison to community organizations to promote public understanding of the role of public defenders.
• Fill in for the Chief Public Defender as needed in administrative and courtroom functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and maintain good standing with the State Bar of Texas
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Jurisprudence
• Minimum 7-10 years of criminal defense experience in State and/or Federal court, preferably in a public defender setting
• Have completed at least fifteen hours of CLE in criminal law or procedure in the last calendar year. Courses authorized by the State Bar of Texas in criminal law or procedure are acceptable
• Considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminal Law, criminal procedure and criminal defense
• Considerable knowledge of case law
• Skilled in legal research
• Good knowledge of investigatory methods
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, outside agencies and the public
• Must secure and maintain a pre-employment physical
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance

• Prior supervisory or management experience
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Commitment to the mission of providing high-quality, client-centered defense to indigent individuals.

• Working conditions are in an office environment
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 10 pounds
• Occasionally move about the office
• Frequently communicates with others using approved technological resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through designated systems within a timely manner
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Positions self to perform essential functions of the job in an office environment
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Maintains County-issued equipment, software, data and supplies

Supplemental Information