Assistant Public Defender III

Livingston County; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 109,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401a retirement

Health insurance (medical, dental &amp

HSAs with employer match

457 plan

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Paid vacation & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness reimbursement

Pet insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Livingston County is hiring an Assistant Public Defender III to handle a wide range of criminal defense work in District and Circuit Courts under the Chief Assistant Public Defender. This grant-funded, non-union exempt position starts with a strong salary and room for progression.

Responsibilities include researching and preparing cases, appearing in court, and advising clients while maintaining case files and meeting deadlines in a high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• JD required with progressive criminal law experience.
• Licensed to practice in Michigan and in good standing.
• Strong legal research and courtroom skills required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and argue criminal defense in District and Circuit Courts.
• Advise clients and supervise case strategy and potential defenses.
• Represent the County in hearings, trials and related matters.
• Coordinate with other attorneys and county officials as needed.
• Maintain detailed records and meet deadlines.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Writing & communication

Case analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctorate

Michigan Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Suite

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:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Interviews and informs clients, witnesses, and other parties regarding cases, legal procedures, and court appearances.
5. Discusses potential defenses and outcomes of cases with clients and explains legal rights, court procedures and responsibilities of the parties involved.
6. Reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, medical reports, and researches legal issues, motions filed by opposing counsel and prepares a defense.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Keeps the Chief Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender apprised of case status and high-profile cases.
10. Attends legal conferences and seminars to stay current on legal issues, updates and learns strategies and information regarding criminal and other matters.
11. 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.

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.