Assistant Public Defender I

Ottawa County, MI • West Olive, MI

194d • $40 - $52

About The Position

Under the direction of the Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender and senior attorneys, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with high and low severity felonies and misdemeanors. May also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and will work in a team oriented office. There are currently two a full-time, benefited positions available working Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. One position will work out of the Office of the Public Defender located at 12185 James St, Holland, MI 49424 and the other will work at 1111 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Requirements

• Possess an undergraduate degree plus a Juris Doctor Degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the state.
• Experience practicing criminal law is preferred but not necessary.
• A desire to provide exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants is required.
• Must be licensed in good standing to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid Michigan driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience practicing criminal law.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel to indigent adults charged with crimes by meeting with clients, preparing for court appearances, drafting briefs, performing legal research, analyzing evidence and planning strategy.
• Represents clients at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, preliminary examinations, pretrial motions, bench trial, jury trials, presenting evidence, arguing motions, calling/examining witnesses, presenting opening statements and closing argument.
• Interacts productively with clients, Prosecutors, Sheriff's Department, State Police and other law enforcement agencies, courts, private attorneys, private investigators and social agencies to ensure adequateness of criminal investigations and evaluating the sufficiency of evidence to justify prosecutions.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Benefits

• Wide range of benefits to support your career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree