Asst Assigned Counsel Admin - 099610

Wayne County; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne County is seeking an Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator for its Indigent Defense Services Department, responsible for overseeing staff and programs related to criminal defense representation. The successful candidate will manage compliance plans and assist in attorney performance reviews while fostering collaboration within the judicial system.

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor degree and at least 5 years of criminal law experience, including felony trials. This position offers a critical opportunity to contribute to justice access and defense services in Michigan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing criminal law, including 3 years of felony trial experience.
• Preferred experience in supervision and management of budgets and personnel.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in compliance plans and cost analysis.
• Supervise staff performing case assignment and attorney qualification.
• Develop and monitor automated case assignment processes.
• Lead accuracy reviews of attorney payment requests.

Skills

Criminal law expertise

Supervision

Budget management

Public policy development

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Licensed Attorney in good standing with the State of Michigan

Job description

Description

Wayne County's Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD) is developing a staff of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in criminal defense representation at the trial court level, and equal access to justice. IDSD launched in August of 2020 with the hiring of its Director. IDSD is state funded through a grant from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). The Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator plays a key role in assisting in the management of the assigned counsel segment of the system. The Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator will work closely with the Third Circuit Court through the role‑transition period, and beyond, building on the work done by IDSD leadership in cooperation with the Court. Reporting to the Director, with direction given by the Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator will oversee various IDSD staff and programs, including the Assignment Coordinators and the Defender Support Unit.

The Assistant Assigned Counsel Administrator will have the supervision or managerial responsibility of various IDSD staff including the Assignment Coordinators and Defender Support Unit.

Responsibilities

Required Tasks

• Aids the Director and Assigned Counsel Administrator in the development and coordination of compliance plans and cost analysis for MIDC standards and best practices.
• Functions as a supervisor over staff members in IDSD who perform case assignment and attorney qualification and performance review functions (number expected to grow in future years).
• Assists in the development of a cost‑effective, automated and fair case assignment process as outlined in the Wayne County Ordinance.
• Assists in supervising an attorney qualification and performance review process.
• Assists in caseload monitoring and compliance.
• Assists in supervising an attorney payment system in conjunction with fiscal grant staff.
• Leads the review for accuracy of attorney requests for payment and supervising staff that performs such validation, including voucher and invoice approvals.
• Assists in and researching the development of holistic defense resources for private assigned counsel, based on national best practices.
• Attends County Commission and Committee meetings.
• Assists in the preparation of reports, policies, and procedures both internal and external.
• Assists in the consultation of budgeting issues and concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Licensed Attorney in good standing with the State of Michigan.

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience practicing criminal law is required, with at least three years of felony trial level experience.
• Preferred Experience: Experience as a lawyer within the criminal justice system; experience in supervising professional and support staff; management of budgets, personnel and data; and proficiency in public policy development and advocacy, and communication with criminal justice system stakeholders.