Texas Law alum Genesis Draper ’06, chief public defender for Harris County, returned to campus this spring to discuss the evolving role of public interest law and the future of public defense.
Draper delivered a talk titled “Meeting the Moment: The State of Public Interest Lawyering” as part of the William Wayne Justice Center’s Lives in the Law speaker series, which brings practitioners dedicated to advancing advocacy and public service to Texas Law.
Following her talk, Draper participated in a Q&A session and met with Texas Law students and faculty, sharing insights from her career in public defense and her leadership in one of the largest public defender offices in the nation.
Reflecting on her time at Texas Law, Draper discussed how her early exposure to public defense during law school helped shape her professional path. That introduction led her to serve as an assistant public defender in both state and federal systems before eventually becoming chief public defender for Harris County.
During her talk, Draper highlighted pivotal experiences that fueled her passion for public defense, including her first internship with a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. She emphasized how mentorship and professional networks played a critical role in shaping her career.
Draper also spoke about the urgent need for public interest lawyers and the importance of advocating for marginalized communities. From working to change policies in Harris County to advancing fairness in misdemeanor courts, she underscored the impact public defenders can have on both individual clients and broader systems of justice.
“It is tough work, but it is meaningful work,” Draper said.
Students who attended the event said Draper’s remarks offered valuable insight into careers in public service and the broader impact public interest law can have.
Event organizer Liz Castillo ’26 said the discussion highlighted Draper’s thoughtful approach to systemic reform.
“It was exciting to listen and learn from Chief Draper,” Castillo said. “Not just because she is committed to the ideals of public defense, but also because she is clearly thinking strategically about the wider role public defense and Harris County specifically can and should play in broader systemic change.”
Student organizer Will Bonds ’27 added that Draper provided a powerful example for students considering careers in public interest law.
“Chief Draper provides an excellent model for students interested in public interest law not only on beginning one’s career, but on rising to leadership positions and effecting meaningful, systemic changes,” Bonds said.
For students preparing to enter the legal profession, Draper’s remarks also offered perspective on how public defenders can drive broader criminal justice reform.
“As a 3L preparing to enter the profession, I was especially struck by Chief Draper’s strategic vision for public defense in Harris County,” said Archana Murthy ’26. “She not only embodies the values of client-centered advocacy but also demonstrates how public defenders can shape broader criminal justice reform. Her leadership illustrates how impact litigation and institutional advocacy can drive systemic change.”
First-year law student Dex Parra ’28 said the event was motivating as he begins considering his own career path.
“As a 1L just beginning to think about my career path, hearing Chief Draper speak was incredibly motivating,” Parra said. “She showed me that public interest law isn’t just about helping individual clients — it’s also about creating real systemic change. It made me excited about the possibility of growing into leadership roles.”
Professor Chris Roberts, Director of Texas Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic, emphasized the importance of the Lives in the Law series in connecting students with leaders in the field.
“This inspiring conversation provided a wonderful opportunity to learn what some in the room already knew: Genesis Draper is an outstanding speaker and advocate who brings an invaluable combination of perspectives and experiences to the Harris County Public Defender’s Office,” Roberts said. “The members of that office, their clients, and the community are lucky to have her and will benefit greatly from her leadership.”
Draper, a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Texas School of Law, is based in Houston, where she serves as chief public defender for Harris County. As the first African American and the first woman to hold the role, she leads one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, ensuring representation for people facing criminal charges who cannot afford counsel. She is also an adjunct professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center.
The Spring 2026 Lives in the Law event was organized by members of the Justice Center’s Student Advisory Board: Rachel Sznajderman ’27, Noor Saleh ’26, Liz Castillo ’26, Heaven Baylor ’28, Will Bonds ’27, and Travis Hueber ’26.