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Chief Public Defender Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Brazos County, Texas

Juvenile Public Defender

Bryan, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender. Given: Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys. Education Required: Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.

Brazos County

Juvenile Public Defender

Bryan, TX · On-site

$95K/yr

Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender. Given: Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys. Education Required: Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.

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See Texas salary details

$30.7K

$115.9K

$186.8K

How much do chief public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief public defender in Texas is $115,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief public defender?

Chief Public Defenders are senior attorneys who oversee public defender offices, ensuring that individuals who cannot afford private legal representation receive effective defense in criminal cases. They manage staff attorneys and support personnel, set office policies, and represent the office in interactions with courts and the public. Chief Public Defenders also handle administrative duties such as budgeting, training, and compliance with legal standards. Their role is crucial in upholding the right to counsel and ensuring fair treatment within the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief public defender in managing their team and caseloads?

A Chief Public Defender often contends with high caseloads, limited resources, and the need to ensure quality representation for all clients. Balancing administrative duties with supervising attorneys and supporting staff can be challenging, particularly in jurisdictions with budget constraints. Additionally, Chiefs must foster a collaborative team environment, provide mentorship, and advocate for systemic changes while maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential for navigating these challenges and supporting both clients and staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief public defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Public Defender, you need deep expertise in criminal law, trial experience, and typically a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission in your state. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and ongoing legal education certifications are essential. Outstanding leadership, communication, and advocacy skills help you effectively manage staff, represent clients, and build community trust. These skills ensure effective defense for clients, efficient office operations, and uphold justice and fairness in the legal system.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Public Defender jobs in Texas?

For Chief Public Defender jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chief Public Defender jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Public Defender jobs in Texas are:

Chief Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Public Defender job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,906 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Chief Public Defender, Victoria RPD

TRG Defender

Victoria, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Help revolutionize representation in Texas!


Texas RioGrande Public Defender is opening a first-ever conflict public defender in Victoria, Texas that will service Victoria, Jackson, Refugio, Lavaca, and Goliad counties. This is a transformative opportunity to establish gold-standard representation in an area that has long been overlooked.


A conflict public defender represents individuals who cannot be appointed to the primary public defender because of an ethical conflict of interest. Conflict defenders are integral to ensuring nobody receives less fair treatment based on who their co-defendant is. TRGPD is proud to establish Texas's first-ever conflict defender in Victoria and help establish a model for the entire Lone Star state.


TRGPD is looking for a zealous, client-centered, and visionary changemaker to spearhead justice in communities that have been left behind for too long. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance justice, for those who dare.


Chief Public Defender, Victoria Regional Public Defender


  • Launch and lead a brand-new public defender's office
  • Establish a culture of client-centered, team-oriented advocacy that fights for clients
  • Create, with support from Executive Leadership, gold-standard processes for advocates to follow in representing clients
  • Effectively communicate with local stakeholders to build strong community relationships
  • Assist in tracking data measuring the impact of the Victoria RPD's representation, including jail population and disposition data
  • Monitor caseloads for Victoria RPD attorneys in the ramp-up period and after achieving full staffing to ensure manageable caseloads
  • Work in partnership with Executive Leadership to implement key strategies and initiatives to achieve Victoria RPD's goals and objectives
  • Mentor and train newly licensed attorneys within Victoria RPD, by assisting in case file reviews, developing trainings, attending court hearings with young attorneys, and serving as lead counsel or cocounsel on trials with new lawyers, as needed
  • Maintain a supportive and positive work environment for their team
  • Contribute to the progress and development of TRGPD as a whole


Qualifications:

  • Licensed to practice law in Texas or willing to take the next available Texas bar exam;
  • At least five years of criminal litigation experience as a licensed attorney;
  • At least 5 trials before a jury as lead counsel;
  • Demonstrated management and leadership skills;
  • Proficiency in Office365, legal research software, and other case management systems


Preferred applicants will demonstrate vision for advancing justice; a commitment to indigent defense and criminal justice reform; have worked in a public defender office; have exceptional advocacy, management, and leadership skills; are solution oriented and creative in their ideas on how to solve systemic issues within the criminal justice system; are passionate about the development and training of the new generation of the indigent defense attorneys; and want to live and work in communities where TRGPD clients have the greatest needs.

Apply