Eight attorneys apply to head public defender office
BY BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Friday, December 07, 2012
12/07/12 at 2:57 AM
Eight attorneys applied to succeed Pete Silva Jr., who retired recently after 22 years as Tulsa County's chief public defender.
Applicants include Shena Burgess, the current deputy chief public defender, and two other lawyers in the public defender's office, Gregg Graves and David Phillips.
Other candidates are private attorneys Beverly Atteberry and Jack Zanerhaft; Robert Ridenour, an assistant federal public defender; Gretchen Mosley, an attorney with the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System; and John Echols, a former OIDS lawyer and now a private attorney.
The period to submit applications ended Monday.
The chief public defender is hired by, and serves at the pleasure of, the associate and district judges. Silva's successor could be selected next week.
Silva worked in the Public Defender's Office for 27 years, including an internship and as assistant public defender in various positions, which includes time as an intern and as an assistant public defender, plus 22 years heading the office.
Original Print Headline: Eight attorneys apply for public defender job
