Staff Attorney I

Macomb County Government • Martinsburg, WV

3d • $80,537 - $104,168

About The Position

The Staff Attorney I provides legal services for indigent defendants in criminal matters, representing clients at arraignments and in assigned cases through trial. The position also assists with Macomb County’s system for court-appointed counsel for indigent defendants and helps ensure compliance with constitutional requirements and Michigan Indigent Defense Counsel (MIDC) standards.

The attorney works with courts, court staff, clients, witnesses, experts, investigators, and prosecuting attorneys. The role includes case preparation and trial advocacy, plea negotiations, case-file maintenance, and assistance with administrative functions supporting roster attorneys and appellate counsel.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
• Qualified as a class D attorney with the Macomb County System of Indigent Defense, or eligible to be qualified.
• Current membership in the State Bar of Michigan.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license, operable automobile, and insurance.
• Knowledge of criminal and civil law, the criminal code, rules of procedure and evidence, legal terminology, and court procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment, electronic conferencing, and Microsoft Office.
• Skills in organization, interviewing techniques, interpersonal relationships, and adapting to varied duties.
• Ability to perform legal research; argue accurately orally and in writing; meet schedules and deadlines; follow oral and written directions; organize and maintain paper and electronic files; maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; work independently; and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work in an environment that embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in civil or criminal law.
• Ability to effectively speak, write, and understand a language other than English.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent defendants in trial-related proceedings, probation violations, and extradition hearings.
• Maintain communication with courts, court staff, clients, witnesses, experts, and investigators.
• Maintain office schedules and coordinate meetings with clients, investigators, and experts.
• Represent indigent clients through jury trial, including arraignments, legal research, filing motions and briefs, conducting preliminary examinations, case preparation, preparing and selecting juries, conducting voir dire, making opening and closing statements, filing interlocutory appeals, and filing appropriate post-trial motions.
• Negotiate pleas and dispositions with prosecuting attorneys in accordance with the constitution, Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, statutes, and client choices.
• Assist with administration and review of roster attorney requests for investigators and experts.
• Assist with tracking and providing Continuing Legal Education for roster attorneys, and help maintain lists of qualified investigators and experts, brief banks, and transcript banks.
• Update and maintain case files, track case progress, preserve case exhibits, and assist appellate counsel with appeals.
• Operate an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage with no monthly premium for single, two-person, or family coverage; effective the first day of employment.
• Dental coverage with no monthly premium for single, two-person, or family coverage; effective the first day of employment.
• Vision coverage with no monthly premium for single, two-person, or family coverage; effective the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree