Principle Trial Lawyer

Macomb County Government•Martinsburg, WV

3d•$107,195 - $138,647•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, performs legal assignments involving highly complex and specialized cases. Represents indigent clients in misdemeanor and felony cases, including capital cases, First Chair responsibilities with second chair staff attorneys, supervises directs assigned staff, and assists with office operations. Performs legal research, writes briefs, and handles cases in court.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university
Five years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law
Qualified as a class A, B, and C attorney with the Macomb County System of Indigent Defense or eligible to be qualified
Current membership in the State Bar of Michigan
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license operable automobile and insurance
Knowledge of criminal and civil law
Knowledge of criminal code
Knowledge of rules of procedure and rules of evidence
Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Familiarity with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) Standards and systems of Indigent Criminal Defense.
Skill in organization
Skill in management techniques
Skill in interviewing techniques
Skill in identifying issues in criminal defense cases
Skill in interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Skill in directing the work of others
Skill in project management
Ability to perform legal research
Ability to accurately argue both orally and in writing
Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Ability to work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
Ability to effectively speak, write and understand the English language
Ability to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Ability to work independently

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a public defender or other attorney’s office where criminal defense cases are managed
Experience working on projects designed to increase efficiency in the office (such as information technology, development of training), and experience with procedures for obtaining experts/investigators
Experience with working collaboratively on criminal defense cases
Supervisory experience

Responsibilities

Attends and participates in arraignments, pre-trial conferences, pre-trial negotiations, court hearings, trials, and sentencings.
Assist with implementing The Office of Public Defender procedures related to arraignments, assignment of attorneys, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) reporting needs, and other procedures.
Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with involved Courts, Court Staff, and jail personnel.
Represents indigent clients in a variety of felony cases, including a required volume of capital cases, from beginning stages through trial and sentencing or dismissal.
Conducts capital, other felony, and misdemeanor trials. Determines case strategy, develops theory of defense, determines proper investigation, prepares and files legal appropriate pleadings/motions/briefs, prepares and files appropriate interlocutory appeals, prepares and files other legal documents.
Collaborates with a trial team, while exercising considerable independent judgement.
Researches legal issues and advises office of new legal issues and procedures.
Assists with development and implementation of legal intern program.
Ensures compliance of office policies when engaging with media, unusual and/or complicated cases.
Completes and/or assists with Staff Attorney case reviews and performance reviews.
Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff.
Maintains continuing legal education and training requirements for attorneys taking assigned criminal defense cases, and completes additional attorney training as directed.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.