Allegheny County’s former chief public defender, who was fired in May, has settled her lawsuit against the county.

Lena Bryan-Henderson, who served in the position for about 15 months, will receive one year’s salary to conclude litigation she filed in June alleging wrongful termination.

Bryan-Henderson’s salary was $140,415. She would not comment on the terms of the settlement.

“I am proud of the impact I made as Allegheny County’s chief public defender — from securing a historic budget increase, to launching and cementing 24/7 representation at arraignments, to strengthening our social work division, expanding diversity and establishing policies that will serve clients for generations,” Bryan-Henderson said Tuesday in a statement to TribLive.

“As the matter with the county has been successfully resolved, I leave with my head held high, excited to walk into the plans that God has for the next chapter of my life’s journey.”

Bryan-Henderson, who worked as a lawyer in the office for more than 30 years, was appointed in January 2024.

She made history by becoming the first Black woman to head the public defender’s office. With about 100 attorneys, it is the largest criminal defense law firm in Pittsburgh.

Bryan-Henderson set out to improve funding and resources for the office and to help connect clients with social services.

But about 15 months in to her tenure, she was placed on leave — and escorted off county property — pending a human resources investigation.

A month after that, Bryan-Henderson was fired.

County officials said the termination was based on an investigation but released no details.

A letter Bryan-Henderson circulated among her supporters said there were 25 allegations against her, some anonymous. Among them was the claim that Bryan-Henderson asked people questions about their gender at birth.

In June, Bryan-Henderson sued the county in Common Pleas Court seeking reinstatement and back wages.

The complaint alleged that her termination was procedurally defective and discriminatory.

Bryan-Henderson claimed that the county did not put her in a position to succeed, including not allowing her to appoint her own deputies.

“The younger, predominantly white, senior leadership in the office was not supportive of her selection,” the lawsuit said.

The office is currently being run by Acting Chief Public Defender Andy Howard.

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