Staff Attorney 15/16 (Criminal Appellate and Parole Appeals)

State of Michigan; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Michigan seeks a staff level or senior attorney to handle criminal appellate work in the Criminal Appellate and Parole Appeals Division. The role includes drafting briefs, motions, and appellate briefs in federal courts and arguing federal habeas corpus cases, under supervision of the Division Chief and leadership.

Responsibilities also include coordinating with prosecutors, the Department of Corrections, trial and federal courts, and handling state criminal appeals and parole

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Michigan State Bar membership in good standing.
• Senior level requires four years of post-bar legal experience.
• Staff level requires no specific experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Draft briefs, motions and appellate briefs in federal courts.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings and appear for oral arguments in habeas corpus cases.
• Coordinate with state prosecutors, Department of Corrections and courts on case status.
• Draft briefs in state criminal appeals and handle parole appeals as needed.
• Assist in researching legal issues for the Criminal Trials Division when directed.

Skills

Brief drafting

Motions

Appellate briefs

Oral arguments

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Job description

Position Description

As a staff level or senior level attorney, the incumbent is expected to handle legal assignments that have an impact on cases within the Criminal Appellate and Parole Appeals Division and will routinely handle assignments of varying legal complexity. The incumbent, under the supervision of the Division Chief, First Assistant, and the Section Head, drafts briefs, motions, and appellate briefs in federal courts, conducts evidentiary hearings, as well as appears for oral arguments relating to federal habeas corpus litigation. As a corollary to the duties above, the incumbent coordinates with the local State prosecutors, the Michigan Department of Corrections, State trial courts, and the federal courts, regarding case and prisoner status. The incumbent also drafts briefs in State criminal appeals in the Michigan Court of Appeals or Michigan Supreme Court and handles oral arguments in those courts. The incumbent may also handle parole appeals in the trial circuit courts as deemed necessary. When called upon, the incumbent assists in researching legal issues or assisting the Criminal Trials Division attorneys at the direction of the Division Chief, the First Assistant, Section Head, or members of the Executive Division.

Education

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience

• Attorney-Staff P15: No specific type or amount is required.
• Attorney-Senior 16: Four years of post-bar admission legal experience.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications

• Membership in good standing in the Michigan State Bar

View the job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/A/Attorney.pdf