Assistant Public Defender FT

Muskegon County; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local county government in Muskegon, Michigan is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to serve as a trial lawyer supporting the Public Defender Director. This role offers vital legal representation for clients unable to afford counsel in criminal or civil cases. Candidates must possess a law degree, be licensed to practice in Michigan, and have a valid driver’s license. The position requires strong legal skills and the ability to train and supervise interns. Opportunities for professional growth and independence are provided.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible for Membership in the State Bar Association and licensed to practice law in Michigan.
• Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Must secure clearance to enter correctional facilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Public Defender Director and counter state prosecutions.
• Provide legal representation for clients unable to afford counsel.
• Assist in recruiting and training qualified student interns.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish

Experience in criminal law

Client-centered legal representation

Education

Law Degree from an accredited college or university

Job description

Hourly pay rate will fall within stated range based on experience.

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public Defender Director, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in various forums, including county, municipal, and township courts, offering client-centered holistic legal representation to clients unable to afford legal counsel for criminal or civil violations. Additionally, the APD may be assigned to youth/juveniles under 18 years of age charged with criminal offenses and parents at risk of losing their children to the State because of allegations of neglect or abuse (N/A), and also sometimes serving as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in these cases. The position also provides operational/administrative assistance to the Director for recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating a large volunteer and paid workforce of qualified student interns. While initially under supervision, the lawyer progressively gains independence with experience. As an APD progresses in the department, in addition to the tasks described above, the APD may be assigned to take on administrative duties, train and/or supervise subordinates, take leadership positions, and take on more difficult and/or higher jeopardy cases.

Requirements

1. Must possess a Law Degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Have a valid Michigan driver’s license.
3. Must be eligible for Membership in the State Bar Association and be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
4. Must be able to secure clearance to enter correctional facilities.
5. Must be able to provide personal transportation for job-related duties throughout the County if a County-owned vehicle is not available.

Preferred but not Required

• Bilingual in Spanish highly desired.
• Two years of experience in the practice of criminal or family (i.e.: Neglect and Abuse, Juvenile, Probate (Mental Health) law) is preferred.

Physical Activities

An Assistant Public Defender performs generally sedentary work activities, requiring the occasional lifting of objects weighing thirty-five (35) pounds or less.

Environmental Conditions

An Assistant Public Defender works in a variety (i.e., County Courthouse, Jail, Public Defenders Office, etc.) of locations and additional travel may be required. This position may be in the Criminal Division or the Family Division.

Evaluation Content

The selected candidate must take a post-offer medical examination (including back screen and complete physical) and drug screening test given by a County appointed physician before the first day of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for County employment may be subject to a post-offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.

Applicant Review Procedure

Any applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the County regarding the applicant’s employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the County Human Resources Department.

Purpose

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the County system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for three months unless exhausted or extended.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Muskegon County is an equal opportunity employer.

Muskegon County has adopted a Veterans Preference Policy that recognizes qualifying military service.