In this episode of Andrew & Andrew on Texas Criminal Defense, we sit down with Natalie Ware, Chief of Misdemeanor and Training Director for the Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) to break down how Texas is transforming indigent defense at the misdemeanor level.

If you’re a Texas criminal defense attorney — or simply interested in how the criminal justice system works — this episode offers a rare inside look at:

What the Harris County Managed Assigned Counsel system actually does

How attorneys qualify to take appointed misdemeanor cases

Training requirements for MAC list attorneys

Pay structure and voucher oversight

Caseload standards in Harris County

Recidivism data and dismissal rates

The client-centered, holistic defense model

How social workers and immigration attorneys support appointed counsel

Why holistic criminal defense reduces jail time without increasing future crime

We also discuss how the MAC office provides interdisciplinary support — including social workers, immigration specialists, and resource attorneys — to ensure clients receive representation that addresses both legal and life circumstances.

For criminal defense lawyers across Texas, this episode is a must-listen discussion on the future of indigent defense reform and what other counties can learn from Harris County’s model.

If you practice criminal law, serve on appointment lists, or are interested in public defense reform, this conversation provides practical insight into how systems change happens.

Learn more about the Harris County MAC office at:
https://mac.harriscountytx.gov

00:00 Introduction

03:00 What is Managed Assigned Counsel?

08:00 How attorneys qualify for the MAC list

14:00 Training requirements for appointed counsel

19:00 Holistic defense explained

23:00 Immigration support & Padilla implications

29:00 Pay structure for appointed attorneys

37:00 Recidivism and dismissal statistics

44:00 The future of indigent defense in Texas