Chief Public Defender

About Allegheny County PA

Allegheny County, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, is a vibrant and diverse region that plays a central role in the state’s economic, cultural, and governmental landscape. Established in 1788, the county spans approximately 730 square miles and is home to over 1.2 million residents, making it the second-most populous county in the Commonwealth.

The County is comprised of 130 municipalities, each contributing to the region’s unique character. The County seat, Pittsburgh, is nationally recognized for its innovation, resilience, and rich industrial heritage. Together, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh form a dynamic partnership that balances tradition with innovation—serving as a model for inclusive governance and regional development.

Operating under a Home Rule Charter, Allegheny County is governed by a County Executive and a 15-member County Council. The County oversees a wide array of departments that deliver essential services, including public health, human services, infrastructure, and elections. The county also maintains its own Court of Common Pleas, which provides access to justice across civil, criminal, family, and orphans’ court divisions.

Public Defender’s Office Overview

The mission of the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office is to defend and protect the constitutional and statutory rights, liberties, and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. The Public Defender’s Office does so through legal representation services that are effective, skilled and compassionate.

The Public Defender’s Office is committed to delivering legal representation to indigent adults and children facing criminal charges in trial, appellate, and post-conviction proceedings within both county and state court systems.

In addition to criminal defense, the Public Defender’s Office serves as the mental health advocate for individuals subject to involuntary commitment under the Mental Health Procedures Act and provides representation in cases where personal liberty is at risk and constitutional rights to counsel apply.

The Public Defender’s Office operates as a department within the Executive Branch of Allegheny County and reports to the County Manager. The office is staffed by approximately 150 professionals, including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, and technology and administrative support personnel.

Chief Public Defender Search Overview

Allegheny County is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Public Defender. This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the most respected public defense offices in the country, known for its commitment to justice, innovation, and community impact. The Public Defender’s Office represents approximately 80% of individuals who are justice-involved in the County. The office is a critical pillar of Allegheny County’s justice system.

The Chief Public Defender must be a visionary and collaborative leader with the ability to manage a large, multidisciplinary team in a complex legal environment. Prior leadership experience within a Public Defender’s Office is preferred.

Key leadership competencies include:

• Strategic Management: Ability to set direction, align resources, and lead organizational growth in support of client-centered representation.
• Team Building and Supervision: Skilled in assembling and mentoring a high-performing leadership team, including Division Heads and support staff, to ensure consistent delivery of quality legal services.
• Operational Oversight: Experience managing fiscal, personnel, technology, and administrative functions in a public sector or legal setting.
• Union Relations: Demonstrated ability to lead within a unionized environment, maintaining positive relationships and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Talent Development: Commitment to recruiting, training, and retaining a diverse and skilled workforce; fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Capable of representing the office in high-level meetings, public forums, and interagency collaborations, advocating for the needs of indigent clients and the office.
• Ethical Leadership: Upholds the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professional independence in all aspects of office management and public service.

Responsibilities of the Chief Public Defender

The Chief Public Defender is responsible for the administration of the Public Defender’s Office which requires that she/he be able to perform or supervise the following managerial and administrative functions:

• Lead and manage a large, unionized legal team and support staff across multiple divisions.
• Independently direct legal strategy for the Public Defender’s Office and ensure the rigorous representation of clients.
• Collaborate with Division Heads and County leadership to oversee strategic direction, staffing, and operations of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Interface regularly with the County Manager and Deputy County Manager.
• Manage a budget of approximately $15 million and advocate for continued growth and investment in public defense.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with agencies such as the Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), Health and Human Services (HHS), and immigrant services.
• Lead program strategy, planning, and evaluation, incorporating data analysis and statistical insights to inform decision-making.
• Oversee contracts and grant administration, including development, compliance, reporting, and strategic alignment with office priorities.
• Supervise and evaluate legal practice across the office, respond to inquiries from Attorney Disciplinary Counsel, and address complaints from clients, justice system stakeholders, and external parties.
• Promote a collegial and inclusive culture within the office.
• Oversee hiring, discipline, promotion, and termination of employees.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and maintain positive union relations.
• Represent the office in meetings, conferences, and hearings impacting indigent defense services.

Chief Public Defender’s Advocacy Responsibilities

• Represent the interests of indigent clients and the public defense system in intra- and intergovernmental committees, commissions, and working groups.
• Provide input on legislative, policy, and procedural changes affecting indigent defense; recommend new laws or amendments where appropriate.
• Engage with judicial, executive, and legislative stakeholders on matters impacting the delivery of public defense services.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit organizations that support clients, staff, and the mission of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Monitor and communicate relevant public policy developments, ensuring the office remains responsive to emerging issues and opportunities.
• Serve as a public-facing representative of the office, when appropriate and in compliance with professional conduct rules and confidentiality obligations, including media engagement and public speaking.

Chief Public Defender Candidate Requirements

Bar License Requirements

• The Chief Public Defender must be an active licensed member of the Pennsylvania bar.
• An out-of-state candidate selected as the Chief Public Defender must seek admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within 18 months of employment with the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office.
• The Chief Public Defender must have been admitted to the practice of law for a minimum of 8 years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven leadership in a complex legal or public service organization; experience managing attorneys and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in criminal law is essential; prior work in a Public Defender’s Office is strongly preferred.
• Ability to advise on legal strategy (though not required to appear in court), manage budgets, and lead organizational growth.
• Skilled in navigating relationships with elected officials, judges, and external stakeholders.
• Passion for indigent defense and improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and office culture.
• Strong interpersonal, political, and communication skills.
• Ability to delegate effectively and ensure accountability across the organization.
• Familiarity with public policy, legislative advocacy, and media engagement.

Salary Range: $140,000-$160,000

County Seat Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Reporting Relationship: Allegheny County Manager

SE: 510738596