Assistant Public Defender I

Ottawa County; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prorated benefits

Job summary

Ottawa County is seeking a dedicated Deputy Public Defender to provide exceptional legal representation to indigent adult defendants at first appearances and subsequent proceedings on misdemeanors, with potential assignment to low-severity felonies. The role is full-time, with standard weekday hours at two Michigan locations, Holland and Grand Haven.

Candidates should have a JD, Michigan Bar admission, and a demonstrated commitment to serving indigent clients.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree plus Juris Doctor and admission to the Michigan Bar.
• Experience in criminal defense is preferred but not required.
• Commitment to providing high-quality legal services to indigent adults.

Responsibilities

• Provide counsel to indigent adults charged with crimes; prepare for court appearances and draft briefs.
• Represent clients at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, examinations, motions, bench and jury trials; present evidence and arguments.
• Collaborate with prosecutors, law enforcement, courts, and investigators to ensure thorough investigations and effective defense.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal law

Court appearances

Client interviewing

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (JD) with Bar admission

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database management

Internet applications

Job description

Job Description

Under the direction of the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defender and senior attorneys, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants at the person’s first appearance, and for subsequent proceedings on those cases assigned for misdemeanors; with experience and demonstrated ability may also be assigned low severity felonies and co-counsel for high severity felonies.

Under the direction of the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defender and senior attorneys, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants at the person’s first appearance, and for subsequent proceedings on those cases assigned for misdemeanors; with experience and demonstrated ability may also be assigned low severity felonies and co-counsel for high severity felonies. This is a full-time, benefited positions available working Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Public Defender works out of two locations, one in Holland, Michigan and the other in Grand Haven, Michigan. Assignment to either location will be based on the needs of the Office, with consideration to a candidate’s preference.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides legal counsel to indigent adults charged with crimes by meeting with clients, preparing for court appearances, drafting briefs, performing legal research, analyzing evidence and planning strategy; represents clients at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, preliminary examinations, pretrial motions, bench trial, jury trials, presenting evidence, arguing motions, calling/examining witnesses, presenting opening statements and closing argument.
• Interacts productively with clients, Prosecutors, Sheriff's Department, State Police and other law enforcement agencies, courts, private attorneys, private investigators and social agencies to ensure adequateness of criminal investigations and evaluating the sufficiency of evidence to justify prosecutions.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training And Experience

Possess an undergraduate degree plus a Juris Doctor Degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the state. Experience practicing criminal law is preferred but not necessary. A desire to provide exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants is required. Case assignments will be based on experience level. Mentoring and training will be provided.

Must be licensed in good standing to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid Michigan driver's license.

Additional Requirements And Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
• Computer literacy, including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and internet applications software.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal law and procedure, particularly as related to the defense of clients, investigations, research, data analysis, report preparation techniques and computer applications related to the work;
• A willingness and ability to work within a team approach to all aspects of indigent defense.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to interact positively and objectively with clients, other staff and supervisors, managers, employees, consultants, investigators and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; including both verbal and written interactions.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audio logical appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed in a normal office environment with travel throughout the County and State.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Unclassified Benefits Summary for more information.

The current Unclassified group manual can be viewed here.

The Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here.

• Part-time benefitted positions will receive prorated benefits.