Chief Public Defender

Van Buren County•Paw Paw Township, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This Chief Public Defender (CPD) is responsible for the development, implementation, oversight, and direction of the Public Defender Office and the indigent defense (ID) contract system. The CPD shall be responsible for staffing the Public Defender Office, creation and supervision of all attorney contracts and/or attorney rosters within the contract system. Ensures that Van Buren County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent clients and provides a high level of ID services. The CPD supervises and directs all ID staff; monitors all ID contracts and attorney rosters for compliance; develops and implements policies and procedures for all three facets of ID; directs and/or performs the department's administrative functions; and prepares the department’s annual budget.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of criminal defense or the equivalent
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively more responsible experience in the administration of legal services.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business management or a related field

Responsibilities

Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the activities of all three facets of ID are in compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements regarding the defense of indigent clients. Obtain appropriate approval by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), as necessary.
Supervise and direct the activities of all Public Defender Office staff. Verify that each contracted attorney has current and adequate professional liability insurance.
Attend court proceedings to monitor attorneys’ performance.
Monitor attorney participation in continuing legal education (CLE) events as well as collecting all data as required by the MIDC relative to CLE hours.
Monitor performance of all client ID contracts and/or attorney rosters ID contracts.
Advise the County Administrator of violations of contract provisions, and recommendations on how to remedy compliance issues. Advise the County Administrator of recurring requests for waivers from contract requirements.
Develop and implement internal caseload management reporting to certify Supreme Court and MIDC standards and mandates are met.
Manage the department budget.
Stay informed of legal precedents and relevant legislation as it pertains to ID representation.
Attend meetings with other agencies and departments as required. Provide updates to the Board of Commissioners and Parent Committee as required.