Bexar County
Overview
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.
This position is pending Civil Service exclusion
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.
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
Preferred Qualifications
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
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
Workstations with internet access are available, if needed, to view job postings and apply online at 211 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204, 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: 210-335-2545.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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This position is pending Civil Service exclusion
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.
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
Preferred Qualifications
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
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
Workstations with internet access are available, if needed, to view job postings and apply online at 211 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204, 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: 210-335-2545.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr