Public Defender Trial Attorney I-III

Washtenaw County Health Department; Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office seeks an assistant trial lawyer to join a developing defense team. You will represent defendants, including juveniles, who cannot afford counsel, under supervision while gaining experience toward higher levels.

The role emphasizes client interviews, evidence gathering, court preparation, and effective advocacy across arraignments, pre-trial conferences, and trials. Licensure in Michigan is required.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understand the unique legal and social needs of clients.
• Willingness to participate in community outreach and education efforts.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients, witnesses, professionals and law enforcement to gather facts for representation.
• Investigates background facts by interviewing friends, family, schools, social agencies and employers.
• Counsels clients for a realistic evaluation of the facts and evidence and potential dispositions.
• Provides counseling to clients regarding personal problems such as job training, alcohol/drug therapy, education opportunities.
• Provides referral information to clients on services and resources.
• Prepares for court appearances by drafting briefs, researching and planning strategy."
• Represents the Public Defender in arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, sentencing and examinations for felonies and juvenile matters.
• Represents clients in jury or bench trials, delivering opening/closing statements and examining witnesses.
• Reads extensively to stay current on laws, precedents and court procedures.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance in and out of court.
• Confer with supervisor regarding status and direction of cases.
• Discuss concluded cases with supervisors to review methods and techniques used.
• Assists in training interns and volunteers.
• Attend and participate in meetings as the Public Defender's representative.
• On rotation, work weekend and holiday duty.
• Comply with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Legal understanding

Community outreach

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office seeks an assistant trial lawyer to join a developing defense team. You will represent defendants, including juveniles, who cannot afford counsel, under supervision while gaining experience toward higher levels.

The role emphasizes client interviews, evidence gathering, court preparation, and effective advocacy across arraignments, pre-trial conferences, and trials. Licensure in Michigan is required.