Assistant Public Defender I

miOttawa.org; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa County Public Defender's Office seeks a full-time attorney to represent indigent adults at initial appearances and during ongoing proceedings for misdemeanors, with potential assignment to low-severity felonies and co-counsel for high-severity felonies based on experience.

The role requires an undergraduate degree, a Juris Doctor, and admission to the Michigan State Bar. Strong research, advocacy, and teamwork skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree are required.
• Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan is required to practice law in Michigan.
• Experience in criminal defense is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional legal representation to indigent adults at first appearance and during proceedings on misdemeanors.
• Co-counsel for low severity felonies and high severity felonies as assigned.
• Mentoring and training may be provided.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Client counseling

Team oriented

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Certificate of Admittance to State Bar of Michigan

Tools

Computer literacy

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.

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 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.

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.

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.