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Directs and manages the operations of an organizational section of the Public Defenders Office or co-directs the operation of a division under the direction of a higher level attorney or performs duties associated with high level and/or high profile cases (ex: Capital Murder) by providing all defense counsel services and serving as first or second-chair defense attorney at trial. Manages, evaluates, and trains public defenders and staff. Oversees operations including case assignments, docket call, and plea bargains or settlement negotiations. Performs case evaluation, preparation, and management. Represents the client in pre-trial and evidentiary hearings and jury/court trials. Ensures effective communication with judges, prosecuting attorneys, court personnel, family members, witnesses, the general public, the media, and other interested parties. Conducts legal research, drafting legal documents, and interpreting laws, rules and regulations. Work is performed independently with general direction from the First Assistant.Â
Management Scope: Directs/oversees staff and day-to-day operation of a section, including budget.
Attorney VI — Supervising Attorney, Capital Murder Division
Position Overview
The Dallas County Public Defender's Office is seeking an experienced and dedicated Attorney VI to serve as the Supervising Attorney of the Capital Murder Division. This attorney will work under the supervision of the Specialized Group Chief and the Chief Public Defender, providing leadership, mentorship, and direct representation in the office's most complex and high-stakes felony litigation.
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned trial attorney to lead a close-knit, collaborative team dedicated to providing robust and ethical representation to indigent defendants facing Capital Murder charges.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as one of two first-chair attorneys who are the primary point of contact for the District Attorney's Office and the judiciary on capital and complex felony matters.
First-chair Murder and other homicide cases immediately upon joining the unit, with additional specialized training provided on Capital Murder litigation and procedure.
Supervise and mentor the division's Attorney V, investigative staff, and administrative support, with the fellow Attorney VI working primarily independently.Â
Regularly interface with the courts throughout the appointment process for indigent defense cases.
Coordinate closely with clients and families, the judiciary, prosecutors, investigators, experts, and office leadership to ensure zealous and effective representation.
Foster the division's collaborative culture, in which every team member contributes to each case regardless of who serves as lead counsel.
Qualifications
Substantial litigation experience in criminal court— quality and depth of experience are prioritized over sheer caseload volume.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex felony litigation independently and to first-chair serious violent offense cases.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with a genuine commitment to team-based, collaborative practice.
Excellent judgment, professionalism, and communication skills for regular engagement with courts, prosecutors, and outside stakeholders.
Commitment to the ethical and constitutional principles underlying indigent defense.
Your Team
As Supervising Attorney, you won't be alone. You'll be supported by a dedicated, specialized team built to help you deliver outstanding representation:
Attorney VI (First Chair Attorney) — a fellow experienced litigator sharing case leadership responsibilities.
Attorney V (Second Chair Attorney) — a skilled, client-facing attorney providing trial support and continuity of representation.
Two dedicated investigators, including one investigator with experience in death penalty case investigation and one dedicated mitigation investigator.
Administrative support staff to help manage case logistics and daily operations.
In-house access to translators and mental health professionals, ensuring the team has the resources needed to serve clients and their families effectively.
Why Join Us
Practicing at the Dallas County Public Defender's Office means focusing on what matters most: your clients and your craft. As a salaried public defender, you'll never have to worry about billing hours or handling office accounting — allowing you to dedicate your full attention to litigation and case strategy.Â
In addition to meaningful, mission-driven work, Dallas County offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Robust retirement benefits through the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS).
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
Ongoing professional development and specialized capital litigation training.
A collaborative, well-resourced team environment built to support sustainable, high-quality indigent defense.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and detailed list of relevant trial experience.Â
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