Deputy Chief Public Defender

Branch County; Coldwater (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Short-term disability insurance

Paid holidays (14)

Pension plans and retirement options

Job summary

Branch County Government seeks a Deputy Chief Public Defender – Administration to lead the public defender’s office. The role emphasizes leadership of people and teams, integrity, and up-to-date knowledge of laws, precedents, and court procedures.

Responsibilities include managing mitigation, investigations, and administrative staff; developing objectives; budgeting; and overseeing the case management system and records requests. A Juris Doctorate and Michigan Bar admission are required.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required.
• Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan is required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years in criminal law and five (5) years of supervision.
• Experience delivering legal services to indigent defendants.
• Ability to work with MIDC Regional and Lansing staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead mitigation, investigative and administrative teams; set goals and supervise performance.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term organizational goals and policies.
• Assist with grant applications, budgeting and cost analyses; monitor invoices for legal work.
• Oversee the case management system and outside attorney roster; handle FOIA and records issues.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Communication

Criminal justice expertise

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Michigan Bar admission

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Location Branch County's Public Defender's Office

Description

Job Summary: The Deputy Chief Public Defender – Administration plays a critical role in the administrative and managerial aspects of the Public Defender’s office. The successful candidate must have a passion for leadership of people and teams with demonstrated personal integrity. In addition, they must have excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents and court procedures.

People Management

• Manages mitigation, investigative and administrative teams.
• Identifies goals and objectives for subordinate staff, fostering their professional and personal growth.
• Responsibility for hiring, training, work assignments, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action for subordinate staff.

Growth and Development

• Assists with development and implementation of long and short-term goals and objectives.
• Assists in the development of and supports the administration of County and Department policies and procedures.

Finance

• Supports grant application and administration.
• Creates and monitors department budget.
• Reviews and approves invoices related to legal counsel, experts, and investigators.
• Collaborate with trial division staff to create annual compliance plans and cost analyses.

Systems oversight

• Administers the case management system used by the Office and roster attorneys.
• Managesan appointment system for the outside attorney roster.
• Assists with public records/records retention issues, FOIA requests, and subpoena processing.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Recent graduates who have taken the Michigan Bar Exam with high expectations of passing may also apply.
• A minimum of ten (10) years in the practice of criminal law and five (5) years of supervision. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience providing exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants.
• The ability to develop and maintain a close working relationship with the MIDC Regional and Lansing staff is essential.
• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice, and Branch County communities.
• Professionalism is an absolute necessity, along with the ability to appropriately handle both confidential information and sensitive situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to work with a diverse group of county personnel and citizens.
• The ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, including reading and interpreting documents, prepare reports and correspondence, and to present information and respond to questions.
• Reasoning skills needed to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Mental ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions. Frequent pressures related to deadlines and fulfilling scheduling requirements.
• Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize word processing, databases, spreadsheet and presentation software applications for the creation and compilation of various documents, communications and reports. Ability to use the Internet and e-mail.

Licenses and Certifications

• Eligible to practice before all Michigan and Federal Courts, and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within 12 months of hire date.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

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.

• Health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance.
• Generous sick and vacation time.
• 14 paid holidays for most positions.
• Access to pension plans and additional retirement options.

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.