Judge Genesis Draper Named Chief Public Defender for Harris County in Historic Appointment
Harris County is ushering in a new chapter in its legal justice system with the unanimous appointment of Judge Genesis Draper as Chief Public Defender, marking a milestone as she becomes the first African American and the first woman to hold the position since the Public Defender’s Office was established in 2010.
The Harris County Commissioners Court voted in favor of Draper’s appointment during its June 12 meeting, following a joint motion by Commissioners Lesley Briones and Rodney Ellis. Draper, currently serving as judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 12, will officially begin the transition in July 2025.
What Does a Public Defender Do?
Public defenders are court-appointed attorneys tasked with representing individuals who cannot afford legal counsel. These attorneys play a vital role in ensuring constitutional rights are upheld, particularly the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. In Harris County, the Public Defender’s Office provides legal defense for indigent clients in criminal, juvenile, mental health, and appellate cases.
Public defenders not only argue cases in court but also advocate for fair treatment of their clients, provide counsel during interrogation, and work to ensure that the criminal justice system operates equitably. In jurisdictions like Harris County, which handle thousands of cases annually, the need for experienced, compassionate leadership is critical.
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A Leader Rooted in Advocacy
Judge Draper’s journey into public service began in the courtroom as an assistant public defender, representing clients at both the state and federal levels. Since 2019, she has served as a criminal court judge, where she continued to champion fairness and justice.
“For over a decade, I’ve represented people who couldn’t afford an attorney and saw firsthand the challenges they face navigating the system,” said Judge Draper. “Justice depends on not just the law, but people being willing to defend it.”
Her appointment has drawn praise from county leaders and community advocates alike. Commissioner Briones highlighted her broad qualifications, stating Draper is “uniquely qualified to lead this office.”
Commissioner Ellis reinforced the office’s mission, emphasizing, “Public defenders are essential to upholding the right to counsel. With Judge Draper at the helm, the future of indigent defense in Harris County is brighter.”
Transition and Expansion
Draper will succeed Alex Bunin, who has served as Harris County’s first Chief Public Defender since the office was launched in 2010. Bunin will retire in December 2025, and will work alongside Draper beginning in July to ensure a seamless transition.
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The Commissioners Court also reaffirmed its goal to expand the Public Defender’s Office to cover at least 50% of all indigent defense cases in the county—a notable increase, as many are still handled by private court-appointed attorneys.
A Legacy of Legal Education and Service
Beyond her judicial duties, Judge Draper is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center, where she teaches advanced trial advocacy. She has also conducted national training sessions on public defense best practices, reinforcing her commitment to high-quality representation for underserved populations.
She earned her B.A. in English from Spelman College and her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin—credentials that reflect both academic excellence and a foundation rooted in public service.
Looking Ahead
Judge Draper is set to begin her role as Chief Public Defender in July 2025, following a planned leadership transition with outgoing Chief Alex Bunin. Her appointment comes at a time when Harris County is examining the structure and capacity of its indigent defense system.
Observers across the legal community, including residents, advocates, and court officials, will be monitoring how this leadership change may shape the office’s operations and approach to public defense moving forward.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
