Governor Greg Abbott has appointed longtime legal counsel Robert Rucker as the new Injured Employee Public Counsel, a position that oversees advocacy for workers navigating Texas’ compensation system.
The appointment, which runs through February 2027, places Rucker in charge of a critical office that serves as a voice for injured workers throughout the state. The Office of Injured Employee Counsel announced the move as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to maintain oversight of the workers’ compensation framework.
From Counsel to Public Counsel
Rucker, a Cedar Park resident, isn’t exactly new to the office. He’s been serving as general counsel for the very same agency he’ll now lead, earning a salary of $151,194 in that role as of October 2025, according to records from the Texas Tribune’s government salary database.
What exactly does the Public Counsel do? The position plays a pivotal role in Texas’ workers’ compensation ecosystem, providing guidance to injured employees while managing the state’s ombudsman program. “The Public Counsel helps injured employees in the Workers’ Compensation system, oversees the ombudsman program, and advocates on behalf of injured employees,” the governor’s office stated in its announcement.
That advocacy comes at a time when many workers report feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of filing claims and securing appropriate benefits after workplace injuries.
Legal Veteran Takes the Helm
Rucker brings substantial legal experience to the role. He’s been licensed with the State Bar of Texas since May 10, 1985 — nearly four decades of legal practice. His primary practice location has been at the Office of Injured Employee Counsel headquarters at 1601 Congress Avenue in Austin, according to State Bar information.
Why does experience matter for this position? The workers’ compensation system in Texas presents unique challenges, as it remains the only state where employers can opt out of providing workers’ compensation coverage entirely. This creates a patchwork system where injured employees often need significant guidance to understand their rights.
Rucker’s transition from general counsel to Public Counsel represents an internal promotion that likely ensures continuity in the office’s operations while bringing his decades of legal expertise to the leadership role.
The appointment comes without significant controversy, reflecting Rucker’s established presence within the system he’ll now oversee. For Texas workers who find themselves injured on the job, his office represents a crucial resource in an often complex bureaucratic landscape.
