Staff Attorney II

Macomb County Government•Martinsburg, WV

11d•$97,450 - $126,043

About The Position

The Staff Attorney II works under direction in the Macomb County Public Defenders Office and maintains a caseload of high- and low-severity felony and misdemeanor cases. The attorney meets constitutional and legislative requirements in representing indigent and partially indigent adult criminal offenders, handling cases from their beginning stages through trial. This is a full-time, 37.5-hour-per-week position with an 8:00 a.m. starting time. The position is grant or externally funded and will continue only if sufficient funding is provided.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
Three years of experience practicing criminal law.
Qualified as a Class B and C attorney with the Macomb County System of Indigent Defense, or eligible to be qualified.
Current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
Valid Michigan driver’s license, operable automobile, and insurance.
Knowledge of criminal law and statutes, the criminal code, rules of procedure, Michigan Rules of Evidence, legal terminology, local court procedures, modern office procedures and computer equipment, electronic conferencing, and Microsoft Office.
Skills in organization, effective communication in court proceedings, interviewing, interpersonal relations, and adapting among varied duties.
Ability to collaborate on case strategy; competently conduct felony jury trials; perform legal research; argue accurately orally and in writing; meet schedules and deadlines; and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to conduct virtual meetings, keep up with technology that enhances trial practice, and use technology effectively for discovery, motion practice, and trials.
Ability to follow the Macomb County Office of Public Defender’s code of conduct, work as part of a team on client defense, and work in an environment that embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign.
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and work independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a public defender’s office.
Experience working in a multiple-attorney law firm.
Ability to effectively speak, write, and understand a language other than English.

Responsibilities

Represent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases from the beginning stages through trial.
Conduct pre-trials, review evidence, negotiate settlements, conduct investigations, meet with experts, conduct preliminary examinations and jury trials, and prepare interlocutory appeals.
Prepare court and case documents, including motions, briefs, sentencing memoranda, deviation requests, witness lists, notices, jury instructions, interlocutory appeals, motions in limine, presentations, and other trial-related materials.
Conduct electronic legal research.
Communicate with clients, prosecutors, investigators, experts, community corrections, judges, and others in connection with client representation.
Analyze and organize case issues and files; track time and record activities in the case management system.
Ensure compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Counsel requirements, including gathering information for reports and budgets, reviewing investigator and expert applications, and managing the attorney roster.
Participate in required Continuing Legal Education training.
Assist with training other attorneys and staff.
Operate an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical coverage with no monthly premium for single, two-person, or family coverage.
Dental coverage with no monthly premium for single, two-person, or family coverage.
Vision coverage with no monthly premium for single, two-person, or family coverage.
Health care, dental, and vision benefits are effective on the first day of employment.

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