Court-Appointed Public Defender: Impactful Trial Advocacy

Branch County; Coldwater (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

14 paid holidays

Pension plans

Job summary

Branch County Public Defender's Office in Coldwater, MI seeks an attorney to provide court-appointed indigent defense services. The role involves handling an active caseload, meeting clients, reviewing charging instruments, police reports and other discoveries.

Responsibilities include researching and preparing criminal cases for trial, appearing in court, negotiating resolutions when possible, and preparing legal documents while maintaining professional knowledge of criminal law.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and must be in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• No experience is required, but familiarity with criminal law and procedure is expected.
• Computer skills to use word processing, databases, spreadsheets and presentation software, plus Internet and e-mail.

Responsibilities

• Provides court appointed indigent defense services through an active caseload and consults with clients.
• Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motions, sentencing, and other proceedings.
• Appears in court for arraignments, motions, trials, and sentencing.
• Determines if additional investigation is needed and coordinates experts as approved by the Chief Public Defender.
• Prepares briefs, legal documents, reports, and correspondence.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Oral & written communication

Interpersonal skills

Reasoning

Attention to detail

Confidential information handling

Driving license

Professionalism

Education

Juris Doctorate

State Bar of Michigan admission

Tools

Word processing

Databases

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Job description

Branch County Public Defender's Office in Coldwater, MI seeks an attorney to provide court-appointed indigent defense services. The role involves handling an active caseload, meeting clients, reviewing charging instruments, police reports and other discoveries.

Responsibilities include researching and preparing criminal cases for trial, appearing in court, negotiating resolutions when possible, and preparing legal documents while maintaining professional knowledge of criminal law.