Assistant Public Defender III

Ottawa County•Mi 49424, MI

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, the Assistant Public Defender III provides legal representation to indigent adult criminal defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors. The position also mentors less experienced attorneys and works in a team-oriented office. It is a full-time, benefited position handling cases in Ottawa County Courts, with office locations in Holland and Grand Haven, Michigan. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role provides legal counsel through client meetings, court preparation, brief writing, legal research, evidence analysis, and case strategy. The attorney represents clients at arraignments, pretrial conferences, preliminary examinations, motions, bench trials, and jury trials, including presenting evidence, arguing motions, examining witnesses, and delivering opening statements and closing arguments. The position also works with clients, prosecutors, law enforcement, courts, private attorneys, investigators, and social agencies to assess investigations and the sufficiency of evidence. Work is generally performed in a normal office environment, with travel throughout Ottawa County and the State of Michigan. The employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations. Duties may change or be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor degree.
Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout Michigan.
Five full years of criminal law practice, and experience as lead counsel in at least seven felony jury trials submitted to a jury; alternatively, a significant record of consistently high-quality criminal trial court representation and the ability to handle life-offense cases.
Good-standing license to drive a motor vehicle and a valid Michigan driver’s license.
Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
Computer literacy, including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and internet applications software.
Knowledge of criminal law and procedure, particularly as related to client defense, investigations, research, data analysis, report preparation, and related computer applications.
Willingness and ability to work within a team approach to all aspects of indigent defense.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability and willingness to interact positively and objectively with clients and a wide range of colleagues, professionals, and members of the public from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel to indigent adults charged with crimes.
Meet with clients, prepare for court appearances, draft briefs, conduct legal research, analyze evidence, and plan case strategy.
Represent clients at arraignments, pretrial conferences, preliminary examinations, pretrial motions, bench trials, and jury trials.
Present evidence, argue motions, call and examine witnesses, and deliver opening statements and closing arguments.
Interact with clients, prosecutors, sheriff’s departments, state police and other law enforcement agencies, courts, private attorneys, private investigators, and social agencies to ensure adequate investigations and evaluate the sufficiency of evidence for prosecution.
Mentor less experienced attorneys and participate in a team-oriented office.
Perform other functions as assigned.