Attorney Managed Assigned Counsel - Indigent Defense

Managed Assigned Counsel

Grant Funded

(Full Time Salary Exempt Position)

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under Direction of the County Administrator, the Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) is a Department Head Level position, responsible for the development, implementation, oversight, and direction of the MIDC Cheboygan Office and the indigent defense (ID) contract system. The MAC shall participate in the process of staffing, creation and supervision of all attorney contracts and/or attorney rosters within the contract system. Ensures that Cheboygan County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent clients and provides a high level of ID services. The MAC supervises and directs all ID staff; monitors all ID contracts and attorney rosters for compliance; develops and implements policies and procedures for all three facets of ID; directs and/or performs the department's administrative functions; and prepares the department’s annual budget.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)

The MAC will aggressively advocate for clients in need of legal aid and will have experience in various aspects of the law.

· Provide legal representation for defendants who cannot afford an attorney.

· Attend all arraignments.

· Take assigned cases.

· Meet all MIDC training standards.

· Work with the Courts and Jail to assure all custody clients have been met with within three (3) days.

· Verify that all out of custody clients have been contacted within three (3) days.

· Comply with all MIDC compliance reporting (monthly, quarterly, and annually).

· Resolve legal disputes.

· Argue cases in court.

· Analyze trial evidence to determine the likelihood of conviction and decide which evidence is inadmissible.

· Provide consultations on law and procedure other than direct representation of clients in court.

· Pre-trial and trial preparation.

· Litigating all aspects of the case through disposition at the trial court level.

· Promoting and protecting the best interest of the client at all times.

· Maintaining client contact by telephone, appointments, or institutional visits.

· Keeping client apprised of investigations, negotiations and court rulings.

· Appearing at regularly scheduled court dockets and all appearances concerning assigned caseload.

· Drafting motions and pleadings.

· Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the activities of all three facets of ID are following the constitutional and statutory requirements regarding the defense of indigent clients. Obtain appropriate approval by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), as necessary.

· Supervise and direct the activities of all MIDC Office staff. Verify that each contracted attorney has current and adequate professional liability insurance.

· Attend court proceedings to monitor attorneys’ performance.

· Monitor attorney participation in continuing legal education (CLE) events as well as collecting all data as required by the MIDC relative to CLE hours.

· Monitor performance of all client ID contracts and/or attorney rosters ID contracts.

· Advise the County Administrator of violations of contract provisions, and recommendations on how to remedy compliance issues. Advise the County Administrator of recurring requests for waivers from contract requirements.

· Develop and implement internal caseload management reporting to certify Supreme Court and MIDC standards and mandates are met.

· Manage the department budget.

· Stay informed of legal precedents and relevant legislation as it pertains to ID representation.

· Attend meetings with other agencies and departments as required.

· Perform related work as required

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

This is an administrative position striving to provide excellent customer service to members of the general public and other County employees. Personal contact occurs with employees, Department Heads, citizens, officers of the Sheriff’s department including County jail and customers of the department. Service is provided in person, by phone or computer contact.

JOB SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Language Skills:

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.

· Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.

· Ability to write correspondence using original or innovative techniques or style.

Problem Solving Abilities:

· Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Specialized Skills and Abilities:

· Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs.

· Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and have the ability to pay attention to detail.

· Knowledge of county government organization, regulations, procedures and policies.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for colleagues, coworkers and the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment a positive and productive manner.

· Ability to work with others in a team setting.

· Ability to maintain office confidentiality and handle stressful situations.

Preferred Employment Qualifications:

Education:

· Must possess a Law Degree from an accredited college or university.

· Must be a member of the Michigan Bar with evidence of continued good professional standing and authority to practice law through the state.

Experience:

· Minimum of four (4) years of experience in the practice of criminal defense or equivalent;

· Minimum of three (3) years of progressively more responsible experience in the administration of legal services.

Other:

· Valid Driver’s License – Michigan

· Reliable and predictable attendance

· Must be able to secure clearance to enter correctional facilities.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the preferred skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES: (This position requires but is not limited to the ability to perform the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements):

Ø Walking over uneven terrain

Ø Climbing of stairs

Ø Bending, stooping and kneeling

Ø Ability to enter and access information from computers and electronic equipment

Ø Ability to lift and carry items up to 20 lbs.

Ø Ability to file and retrieve documents and equipment

Working Conditions: Works in office.

An Attorney in this position will be expected to work solely for Cheboygan County during the course of their employment and not enter into outside employment that may create a conflict with their position or the County.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $108,003.17 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $108,003