Assistant Public Defender

Calhoun County Government • Battle Creek, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Public Defender, provides indigent defense attorney services for Calhoun County. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Provides indigent defense services through an active caseload. Meets with client(s), reviews charging documents, police reports, and other discovery or evidence provided by the Prosecution and makes recommendations for defense. Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motion, sentencing, and other proceedings, including research of applicable law, interviewing witnesses, investigating claims, and developing trail strategies. Appears in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing, and other related proceedings. Determines if additional fact investigation is necessary, including the identification, consultation, and hiring of applicable experts as approved by the Public Defender or designee. Prepares briefs, legal documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Attempts to negotiate and resolve pending cases without a trial where appropriate. Actively participates in programs designed to address the underlying causes and risk factors that leas to involvement in the criminal justice system. These programs may be provided through treatments courts, legal, or civic organizations. Maintains professional knowledge of criminal law and participates in training programs. Provides support, consultation, and training for less experience attorneys as needed or directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate from accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the State of Bar Michigan.
• Third year law students and recent graduates are also encouraged to apply.
• Continued employment will ultimately be contingent on successful admission to the Michigan State Bar.
• Computer skill necessary to effectively utilize word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.
• Ability to use the Internet and e-mail.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse group of county personnel and citizens.
• The ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, including to read and interpret documents, prepare reports and correspondence, and to present information and respond to questions.
• Reasoning skills needed to define and solve problems, collect fata, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Mental ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions.
• Professionalism is an absolute necessity, along with the ability to appropriately handle both confidential information and sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Provides indigent defense services through an active caseload.
• Meets with client(s), reviews charging documents, police reports, and other discovery or evidence provided by the Prosecution and makes recommendations for defense.
• Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motion, sentencing, and other proceedings, including research of applicable law, interviewing witnesses, investigating claims, and developing trail strategies.
• Appears in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing, and other related proceedings.
• Determines if additional fact investigation is necessary, including the identification, consultation, and hiring of applicable experts as approved by the Public Defender or designee.
• Prepares briefs, legal documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Attempts to negotiate and resolve pending cases without a trial where appropriate.
• Actively participates in programs designed to address the underlying causes and risk factors that leas to involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Maintains professional knowledge of criminal law and participates in training programs.
• Provides support, consultation, and training for less experience attorneys as needed or directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Health and retirement plans
• Generous time off
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Paid Time Off: 6.47 hours per pay period (hourly) or 4.2 weeks annually (salaried)
• Holidays: Enjoy 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 preventative and primary care with on-site medications
• Education: Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level