Assistant Public Defender III

Ottawa County; Park Township, Olive Township (MI, MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa County seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to provide high-quality representation for indigent adults charged with felonies and misdemeanors. You will meet with clients, prepare for court, draft briefs, perform research, and guide strategy while mentoring junior attorneys.

The role requires a Juris Doctor, admission to the Michigan Bar, and five years in criminal practice, including seven felony jury trials.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor with admission to the Michigan Bar.
• At least five years of criminal law practice.
• Lead counsel experience in seven felony jury trials or equivalent record.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to indigent adults charged with felonies and misdemeanors.
• Represent clients in arraignments, pre-trials, bench and jury trials.
• Mentor less experienced attorneys and work in a team-oriented office.

Skills

Legal research

Trial preparation

Criminal law

Teamwork

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Undergraduate degree + Juris Doctor

State Bar of Michigan admission

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database management

Internet applications

Job description

Under the direction of the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors. Will also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and work in a team oriented office.

This is a full-time, benefited position. Pending cases are assigned in the Ottawa County Courts with two office locations, one in Holland, MI and one in Grand Haven, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. 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 and calling/examining witnesses presenting opening statements and closing argument.
2. 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.
3. 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; has practiced criminal law for five full years, and has experience as lead counsel in no fewer than seven felony jury trials that have been submitted to a jury; or has a significant record of consistently high quality criminal trial court representation and the ability to handle life offense cases.

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

Required Knowledge and Skills:

1. Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
2. Computer literacy, including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and internet applications software.
3. 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;
4. A willingness and ability to work within a team approach to all aspects of indigent defense.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
6. Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
7. 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, and 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.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and 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.