New Jersey Statutes Title 2A. Administration of Civil and Criminal Justice 2A § 158A-4

The head of the office shall be the Public Defender, who shall be an attorney-at-law of this State and experienced in the practice of law in this State. He shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of 5 years and until the appointment and qualification of his successor. He shall devote his entire time to the duties of his office and shall receive such salary as shall be provided by law. Any vacancy occurring in the office of the Public Defender shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.