The Public Defender shall have the power
to appoint such Deputy and Assistant Public Defenders, investigators
and employees of his or her department as shall be authorized by the
County Legislature. At the times of their appointments, and throughout
their terms of office, all Deputy and Assistant Public Defenders shall
be and remain duly licensed and entitled to practice law in the State
of New York. All Deputy and Assistant Public Defenders, investigators
and employees of the department shall be directly responsible to,
and serve at the pleasure of, the Public Defender, except as otherwise
provided by the Charter, Administrative Code or applicable law.
The Public Defender, subject to approval
by the County Executive, shall designate in writing, and in order
of succession, the Deputy and Assistant Public Defenders who shall
be Acting Public Defender in the event of his or her absence from
the County or inability to perform and exercise the powers and duties
of his or her office. Such designations shall be filed with the County
Clerk and the Clerk of the County Legislature and may be revoked at
any time by the Public Defender filing an approved new written designation
and order of succession. The Acting Public Defender shall have all
the powers and perform all the duties of the Public Defender.
The Public Defender shall have the power
to retain special counsel where necessary and within appropriations
made therefor.