Chief Public Defender - Branch County

Delphi Technologies; Coldwater (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Branch County is seeking a Chief Public Defender to lead the indigent defense program, supervise a 17-member team, and oversee contracts and rosters to ensure constitutional REPRESENTATION for indigent adults.

The CPD directs policy, administers the department, and oversees budget, contracts, and compliance with MIDC standards while maintaining high-quality indigent defense services.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and Michigan Bar admission.
• Minimum five years in criminal defense and three years in administration of legal services.
• Active license to practice law in Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
• Oversee all indigent defense contracts and attorney rosters.
• Manage department budget and supervise staff to ensure high-quality service.
• Monitor contracts, provide courtroom oversight, and ensure compliance with MIDC standards.

Skills

Management

Leadership

Budgeting

Policy development

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Location Branch County's Public Defender's Office

CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER

Branch County, Michigan is recruiting candidates who have a desire to serve as our next Chief Public Defender. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating the County’s indigent defense program to ensure that adult defendants receive competent legal representation in criminal proceedings. The Chief Public Defender oversees a team of 17, including full and part-time staff members. The leader of the department is involved in oversight as well as providing courtroom experience.

Located along Michigan’s southern border, Branch County boasts a spacious blend of industry, agricultural and residential growth. Our county is well-known for our beautiful 117 inland lakes. The recreational opportunities in Branch County are endless. Branch County residents enjoy quality schools, fresh air and a lifestyle that blends well with raising a family.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The purpose of this job is to develop, implement, oversee, and direct the Public Defender Office and the indigent defense contract system. The Chief Public Defender (CPD) is responsible for staffing the Public Defender Office, creating and supervising all attorney contracts and/or attorney rosters within the contract system, ensuring that Branch County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements pertaining to the representation of indigent adults and providing a high level of indigent defense (ID) services. The CPD supervises and directs all ID staff; monitors all ID contracts and attorney rosters for compliance; develops and implements policies and procedures for all facets of ID; directs and/or performs the department's administrative functions; and prepares the department’s annual budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the activities of all facets of ID are in compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements regarding the defense of indigent clients.
• Develop necessary policies and procedures to attain and maintain standards of indigent defense as they are developed and approved by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC).
• Utilize County resources efficiently and effectively to provide a high level of ID services.
• Verify that each contracted attorney has adequate professional liability insurance that is maintained and that the County and Court are held harmless from liability arising from their representation of a client.
• Ensure legal representation of each client at arraignment and other critical states of the case.
• Attend court proceedings to monitor attorneys’ performance.
• .Approves pre-trial investigations and expert witnesses.
• Monitor attorney participation in continuing legal education (CLE) events and monitor all data collection as required by the MIDC relative to CLE hours.
• Monitor performance of all adult indigent ID contracts and/or attorney rosters whether these contracts are entered into with firms or with individual ID attorneys.
• Responsible to maintain a caseload to be determined.
• Supervise and direct the activities of all Public Defender Office staff.
• Advise the County Administrator of violations of contract provisions, and recommendations on how to remedy compliance issues. Advise the County Administrator of recurring requests for waivers from contract requirements.
• Develop and implement internal caseload management reporting to certify Supreme Court and MIDC standards and mandates are met.
• Manage the department budget to include review and approval of appointed attorney bills and payments for services and staff expenses.
• Attend meetings, conferences, and CLE opportunities as approved by the County Administrator.
• Stay informed of legal precedents and relevant legislation as it pertains to ID representation.
• Attend meetings with other agencies and departments as required.
• Provide updates to the Board of Commissioners of each county as required.
• Perform other duties as required by the County Administrator on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan as evidence of continued good professional standing and authority to practice law throughout the state.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of criminal defense or the equivalent, including a minimum of three (3) years of progressively more responsible experience in the administration of legal services.
• 3-5 years of experience practicing law with a thorough understanding of the rules of evidence and the applicable statutes, case law and trial procedures.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• License to practice law in the State of Michigan

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge and Experience in:

• Management/supervision, leadership, human relations, finance/budget, office administration, planning, organizing, communications (written and oral).

• Considerable ability with computer/word processing, legal skills, judgment/problem solving, teamwork building and motivational proficiency that lead to world class status quality service.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal, civil contempt and juvenile law, particularly as related to the defense of clients, investigations, research, data analysis, report preparation techniques and computer applications related to the work.

• Considerable ability to plan, organize and direct a high-volume law firm that encompasses directing the work of others, providing for their training and professional development, interpreting, applying and explaining laws, policies and regulations, analyzing complex legal and administrative problems, evaluating alternatives and adopting sound courses of action.

Skill in:

• Verbal and written communication.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships.
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments.

Ability to:

• Draft pleadings and orders according to Court Rule.
• Read, analyze and understand matters submitted and make an independent and informed decision.
• Read, analyze, interpret and apply court rules, case law, statutes and policies.
• Ability to operate computer for information retrieval and input.
• Ability to access law books, reference materials and computer information.
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.

Position Chief Public Defender - Branch County

About the Organization

Branch County Government is dedicated to serving our community with integrity, accountability, and respect. We deliver statutory and constitutional services in a fiscally responsible manner that honors the trust and dignity of every County resident. Guided by public need and sound stewardship, we thoughtfully evaluate and prioritize services to ensure they strengthen our community today and for generations to come.

Our work is grounded in protecting public safety, enhancing the well‑being of our citizens, preserving and improving our natural resources, and fostering economic opportunity for all. We believe strong communities are built through collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right.

As stewards of both people and public resources, Branch County Government values and promotes equal opportunity for all. We actively encourage the talents, creativity, and leadership of our employees and strive to create a workplace where individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. Our employees are committed to delivering services that are prompt, courteous, efficient, and centered on public trust.

Branch County Government is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance. Employees enjoy generous sick and vacation time, 14 paid holidays for most positions, and access to pension plans and additional retirement options. We are committed to supporting our employees' well-being, work-life balance, and long-term financial security.

EOE Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.