Assistant Public Defender III

LIVINGSTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 109,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401a retirement

Medical & Vision

HSA with employer match

Voluntary 457 plan

Disability & Life Insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness reimbursement

Pet insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Livingston County is seeking an Assistant Public Defender III to perform a wide range of criminal defense work in the District and Circuit Courts, under the Chief Assistant Public Defender. This grant-funded, non-union position requires high levels of acumen and experience.

The role includes preparing cases, arguing in court, advising officials, and mentoring staff. Starting pay is $108,895.41 per year, with potential to $137,945.45; full benefits include retirement, medical, HSA, and paid time

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree with five years of criminal law experience.
• Licensed to practice law in Michigan and in good standing.
• Michigan Bar Association membership in good standing.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of Michigan criminal law and courtroom procedures.
• Skilled in legal research, evidence review, and argument development.

Responsibilities

• Research and prepare criminal cases for trial in District and Circuit Courts.
• Appear in court for arraignments, hearings, motions, and trials.
• Advise County officials, attorneys, departments and law enforcement on legal obligations.
• Interview clients and witnesses; explain legal rights and procedures.
• Review evidence and prepare defenses; develop strategic arguments.
• Assist junior attorneys and coordinate court appearances and scheduling.
• Maintain case status updates with the Chief Public Defender.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom presentation

Written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Licensed to practice law in Michigan

Michigan Bar Association in good standing

Michigan Vehicle Operator's License

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research software

Job description

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Assistant Public Defender, this position is responsible for performing a wide assortment of criminal defense work in the District and Circuit Courts while functioning with broad latitude in defending assigned cases. This classification is typically assigned to ongoing caseload requiring the highest level of acumen and experience.

Benefits With This Position Include

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional HSA with an employer match
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & 13 Holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program
• Pro-rated based on DOH

Pay Rate Information

The Assistant Public Defender III position is a grant funded, non-union, exempt position and starting pay is $108,895.41/yr. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 14 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $137,945.45/yr.

Essential Job Functions

• Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motions, sentencing, and other proceedings in District and Circuit Courts. These cases are typically the most complex or of a sensitive nature.
• Appears in court for arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, pre-trials, trials, sentencing, and other related activities regarding cases in District, and Circuit Courts. These cases are typically the most complex or of a sensitive nature.
• Provides advice and/or training to County officials, attorneys, departments, employees, and law enforcement officers regarding legal obligations, authority, and liability in connection with official duties.
• Interviews and informs clients, witnesses, and other parties regarding cases, legal procedures, and court appearances.
• Discusses potential defenses and outcomes of cases with clients and explains legal rights, court procedures and responsibilities of the parties involved.
• Reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, medical reports, and researches legal issues, motions filed by opposing counsel and prepares a defense.
• Assists lower-level attorneys and supervisors with interpreting legal information, courtroom policies and procedures, and preparing cases for trial. Aids and assists with scheduling other attorneys for court appearances, meetings, evaluating possible defenses and potential appeals.
• Serves at the direction of the Chief Public Defender and/or Chief Assistant Public Defender in all courts to handle felonies, misdemeanors, appeals, and specialty courts.
• Keeps the Chief Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender apprised of case status and high‑profile cases.
• Attends legal conferences and seminars to stay current on legal issues, updates and learns strategies and information regarding criminal and other matters.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements Include The Following

• Juris Doctorate Degree and five years of progressively more responsible experience in criminal law as a Public Defender, private attorney or Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of State of Michigan criminal and case law, and courtroom procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of performing legal research, reviewing and interpreting evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing and interpreting legal documents, mediation and conflict resolution principles, document production and courtroom presentation, developing legal arguments, and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and making presentations in a courtroom setting.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, the courts, professional contacts, elected officials, clients and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, software programs utilized by the Public Defender's Office and specialized legal research software.
• Ability to attend meetings scheduled at times other than normal business hours.
• Must be Life Offense Qualified under MIDC Standard 7 in order to be considered for position.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view, and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to manage stress, be it from dealing with people under duress, from the confrontation and negotiation components of the adversarial process or from the demands of the courtroom setting. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight. The typical work environment of this job is a business office or court setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate.