Sr. Assistant Public Defender

Calhoun County Government; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 87,585 - 130,656; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Flexible scheduling

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Calhoun County Government is seeking an experienced attorney to provide indigent defense services for the county. Working under the Deputy Public Defender, you will handle a felony caseload, with responsibilities including court appearances, case preparation, and client representation.

The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate, significant trial experience in criminal defense, and strong communication skills. A passion for mentoring less experienced attorneys is highly valued. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Significant trial experience handling complex criminal cases.
• Strong interest in mentoring less experienced attorneys.
• Valid Michigan driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide indigent defense services through a felony caseload.
• Research and prepare criminal cases for trial.
• Appear in court for motions, trials, and sentencing.
• Participate in professional organizations and training.

Skills

Criminal defense

Trial experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Juris Doctorate

Membership in State Bar of Michigan

Tools

Word processing software

Case-management software

Job description

Join Our Team at Calhoun County Government!

At Calhoun County, you’ll find more than just a job, you’ll find purpose. Our employees make a meaningful impact every day by serving our community. Whether you’re supporting essential services, improving local systems, or helping residents thrive, your work contributes to something bigger. We’re proud to foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where people are valued for their ideas and dedication to public service. If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference, we invite you to explore opportunities with Calhoun County Government.

Summary

Under the general direction of the Deputy Public Defender, provides indigent defense services for Calhoun County. This experienced attorney position regularly handles high severity and statutory life offense cases.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides indigent defense services through a felony caseload including defendants charged with high severity and statutory life offenses.
• Serves as co‑counsel on trials by other staff or contract attorneys.
• Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motion, sentencing, and other proceedings, including research of applicable law, interviewing witnesses, investigating claims, and developing trial strategies.
• Appears in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing, and other related proceedings.
• Determines if additional investigation is necessary, including identification, consultation, and hiring of applicable experts.
• Prepares briefs, legal documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Participates in the office’s holistic approach to representing clients.
• Maintains the highest level of professional knowledge and expertise in criminal defense practice.
• Participates in professional organizations, conferences, and training programs locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Provides support, mentoring, consultation, and training for less experienced attorneys both inside and outside the office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• Passion for criminal defense work and representing indigent clients.
• Significant trial experience handling complex and statutory life offense cases.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with a diverse group of county personnel and citizens.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interest in mentoring and training less experienced attorneys.
• The highest professional integrity and standards for the practice of law.
• Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize word processing, case‑management software, databases, spreadsheets, and presentation software applications.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Physical Demands

• Physical ability to occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry items weighing up to ten pounds.
• Physical ability to talk, hear, and communicate verbally with others. Specific visual abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally required to perform tasks involving repetitive movement, bending, stooping, or climbing.
• Occasionally required to sit for extended periods.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with occasional heat, dust, and noise.
• Extended workdays (beyond eight hours per day and weekends) are occasionally required.
• On‑call availability to handle work problems, attend meetings, and manage emergencies or crisis situations, if required.
• Travel between county locations or out‑of‑county may be required. Out‑of‑county travel will occasionally be required for training purposes.

Salary Range

$87,585.56 – $130,656.20 USD

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 6.47 hours per pay period (hourly) or 4.2 weeks annually (salaried).
• Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year.
• Flexibility: Hybrid and flexible scheduling for eligible positions.
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 7% county match.
• Near‑Site Clinic: Convenient preventive and primary care with on‑site medications.
• Education: Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement.