Deputy Chief Public Defender

Van Buren County•Paw Paw, MI

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Provides court appointed indigent defense services within Van Buren County Courts. The Deputy Chief Public Defender carries a full caseload and receives direct supervision from the Chief Public Defender. The Deputy Chief Public Defender is responsible for providing supervision to the Public Defender’s Office staff, including Assistant Public Defenders, Investigators, and clerical staff in conjunction with the Public Defender. ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS: Customer Focus Teamwork Employee Engagement Process Focus Financial Resources Organizational Values Goal/Results Oriented Attention to Detail Adaptability IT Application Leadership & Influence Communication PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Member of the Michigan State Bar in good standing.
At least eight (8) years of criminal defense experience or comparable civil legal service required.
Demonstrated supervisory experience may be submitted for the required eight years of criminal defense experience.
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen.
Applicant must complete County application form.
Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Van Buren County.

Responsibilities

Reviews charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery provided by the Prosecution.
Promptly meets with clients and learns the client’s goals for the representation and any specials needs of the client.
Determines what further fact investigation to undertake and directs that investigation, including the identification, consultation and hiring of applicable experts as approved by the Chief Public Defender.
Determines what legal issues need development, researches those issues, and presents them in the appropriate forum.
Negotiates with the Prosecution and promptly advises the client of the status of those negotiations.
Litigates any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
Conducts any post-trial litigation necessary such as sentencing and post-trial motions (excluding appeals).
Maintains availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participates in training programs; maintains current knowledge of appropriate support functions.
Participates in the performance appraisal process, assists in hiring process, new hire orientation, and enforces County and office policies and procedures in conjunction with the Chief Public Defender.
Maintains accurate, complete, and legible case files.
Performs on-call attorney functions as assigned.
Completes special projects and other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.
Performs other duties as assigned.