Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator

Wayne County Michigan; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 57,054 - 124,588; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Detroit seeks an Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator to manage assigned counsel operations and ensure compliance with MIDC standards. The role involves supervising staff, coordinating with the Third Circuit Court, and overseeing case assignments. The ideal candidate holds a Juris Doctor and has at least 5 years of criminal law experience, with a focus on felony cases. Competitive salary ranging from $57,054 to $124,588 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of criminal law practice, with at least 3 years at the felony trial level.
• Experience in the criminal justice system and supervising professional staff preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist management with compliance plans and cost analysis for MIDC standards.
• Supervise staff performing case assignment, attorney qualification, and performance review.
• Develop a fair and automated case assignment process per Wayne County Ordinance.

Skills

Criminal law expertise

Supervisory skills

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed attorney in Michigan

Job description

Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator

Position within Wayne County’s Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD), a state‑funded program dedicated to equal access to justice and criminal defense representation at the trial court level.

About the Department

The IDSD, launched in August 2020, supports the Third Circuit Court (Michigan’s largest trial court) and works to ensure high‑quality defense counsel for felony cases. The department is funded through annual grants from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and manages the transition of the entire indigent defense system in Wayne County.

Purpose / Description

The Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator assists with management of the assigned counsel segment, coordinates with the Third Circuit Court during the role‑transition period, and oversees staff and programs such as Assignment Coordinators and the Defender Support Unit.

Required Tasks

• Aids the Director and Assigned Counsel Administrator in developing compliance plans and cost analysis for MIDC standards.
• Supervises staff performing case assignment, attorney qualification, and performance review.
• Helps develop a cost‑effective, automated, and fair case assignment process per Wayne County Ordinance.
• Assists in supervising attorney qualification and performance review processes.
• Assists in caseload monitoring and compliance.
• Supervises attorney payment system with fiscal grant staff.
• Leads reviews for accuracy of attorney payment requests and manages voucher and invoice approvals.
• Conducts research on holistic defense resources for private assigned counsel, guided by national best practices.
• Attends County Commission and committee meetings.
• Prepares reports, policies, and procedures both internal and external.
• Consults on budgeting issues and concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing with the State of Michigan.
• Minimum of 5 years of criminal law practice, with at least 3 years at the felony trial level.
• Preferred: Experience within the criminal justice system, supervising professional staff, budget and personnel management, public policy development, advocacy, and stakeholder communication.

Compensation

Salary: $57,054 – $124,588 per year

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Legal
• Industry: Government Administration