What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender III position at Berrien County?
DUTIES:
Provides court-appointed indigent defense services within Berrien County Courts.
Carries a full caseload as determined by the Chief Public Defender.
Attends legal and community meetings.
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.
Identifies any special needs of the client.
Determines what further fact investigation to undertake and what legal issues need development.
Directs the investigation and researches necessary legal issues.
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.
This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited law school.
Must be a member of the Michigan State Bar in good standing.
At least five years of criminal defense experience or comparable civil legal services is desired.
Applicants that do not meet the minimum requirements for APD III, but have at least one year of criminal defense experience may qualify for APD II.
Applicants with no prior experience may qualify for APD I.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Ability to operate typical office equipment and technology.
Able to utilize the services of interpreters when necessary.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to relate empathetically to clients with diverse backgrounds and special needs.
Exercise common sense and good judgment.
Maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
Learn quickly, multitask and function efficiently under stressful and distracting conditions.
Accept direction and follow office policies and procedures.
NOTE:
APDs may participate only in Berrien County Public Defender Office assigned legal work for compensation during their employment, with the exception of cases obtained prior to employment with the office. Permission of the Chief Public Defender is required to continue representation on prior non-BCPD cases and/or to be involved in active representation on a pro bono basis.
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If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.
Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
