Chief of Legal Services

The Chief of Legal Services is a senior leader in the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, charged with ensuring the highest quality of client representation, and advancing the office’s mission, vision, and core values across all aspects of the organization. This role oversees quality control, legal standards, and professional development while helping to shape policies, hiring practices, and leadership training that foster excellence, equity, and innovation in public defense.Duties and ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement, and monitor systems to ensure consistent, high-quality legal services for all clients.Establish performance metrics and evaluation tools to support attorney and staff accountability.Ensure the office’s core values are embedded in policies, procedures, and daily operations.Collaborate with senior leadership to design and implement policies that promote ethical, culturally competent, and community-focused representation.Participate in designing recruitment strategies that reflect the office’s values and commitment to inclusion.Lead or coordinate leadership development programs for supervisors and future leaders in the office.Work closely with the Chief Public Defender, division heads, and other senior leaders to align legal services with organizational goals and community needs.Contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at advancing holistic and effective public defense services.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity EmployerIf you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.Education and ExperienceJuris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.Minimum of ten (10) years of criminal defense experience, including substantial trial practice.Demonstrated success in supervising attorneys, managing teams, or leading quality-control initiatives in a legal setting.Strong knowledge of criminal law, ethics, and best practices in indigent defense.LicensureActive membership in good standing with the State Bar of Texas (or ability to become licensed in Texas).NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.Other InformationExperience in training, mentoring, or leadership development preferred.Position Type and Typical Hours of WorkRegular Full-timeMonday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.SalaryDepends on QualificationsBased on 26 pay periodsEmployment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.Note: Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-04