Senior Public Defender — Trials, Training & Leadership

Ottawa County; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa County is seeking an experienced administrator to support the Public Defender Office with managerial and legal duties. The role involves developing programs, supervising staff, and coordinating with courts and law enforcement to ensure effective defense services.

The position requires a JD, Michigan bar admission, and at least 10 years of criminal or governmental law experience, plus 2 years in administrative supervision. Travel throughout the county and state is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience in management, budgeting and staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of criminal, civil, and juvenile law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and internet apps.
• Licensed to practice law in Michigan and in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee department goals, policies and procedures for efficiency and cost control.
• Provide legal counsel and prepare court briefs, research cases, plan strategy, and represent clients in court.
• Supervise staff: hiring, training, scheduling, performance management and policy administration.
• Manage data, budgeting, and administrative processes; monitor expenditures within guidelines.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, courts, and other agencies to support prosecutions and investigations.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Policy development

Training & development

Communication

Court procedures knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Undergraduate degree in business management or criminal law

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database management

Internet applications

Job description

Ottawa County is seeking an experienced administrator to support the Public Defender Office with managerial and legal duties. The role involves developing programs, supervising staff, and coordinating with courts and law enforcement to ensure effective defense services.

The position requires a JD, Michigan bar admission, and at least 10 years of criminal or governmental law experience, plus 2 years in administrative supervision. Travel throughout the county and state is expected.