LEAD ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Starting Pay: $47.4688 Hourly ($98,735)
Step A: $49.8284 Hourly ($103,643)
Step B: $52.1875 Hourly ($108,550)
Step C: $53.7529 Hourly ($111,806)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Member in good standing of the Michigan State Bar -AND- three (3) years’ experience in the practice of criminal law either as a prosecutor, public defender or in private criminal defense practice, which includes trial experience as lead counsel or second chair in four (4) criminal jury trials.

Completion of MIDC-approved trial skills simulation programs may count toward trial experience.

Must be able to produce, upon request, a list of trials conducted and proof of completion of any and all trial skills training programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to perform Essential Job Duties and Functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

JOB SUMMARY: Performs indigent criminal defense for adult criminal cases with a concentration in complex high-severity felonies and a wide variety of legal tasks in the criminal divisions of circuit and district court which includes legal research and representation of clients at all critical stages; under the general direction of Chief Public Defender, provides indigent defense attorney services support, consultation and training for less experienced attorneys and interns.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews charging documents, police reports and other discovery as provided by the prosecution.
• Promptly meets with clients and learns the client’s goals for the representation and any special needs of the client.
• Determines what further fact investigation to undertake and directs that investigation, including the identification, consultation and hiring of applicable experts as approved by the Chief Public Defender.
• Determines what legal issues need development, researches those issues and presents them in the appropriate forum.
• Negotiates with the prosecution and promptly advises the client of the status of those negotiations.
• Litigates any issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial, handling probation violations and other hearings as assigned.
• Conducts any post-trial litigation necessary, such as sentencing.
• Maintains availability to other staff members and roster attorneys for consultation and education, participates in training programs and maintains current knowledge of appropriate support functions, including participation in training and mentoring other attorneys as requested by the Chief Public Defender.
• Maintains accurate, complete and legible case files.
• Performs other attorney functions as assigned, including show cause hearings, state grand jury proceedings and other hearings as assigned.
• Assists junior staff and roster attorneys with trial strategy, plea negotiations and client relations as directed by the Chief Public Defender.
• Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of law including the Michigan Court Rules and Evidence Rules.
• Proficiency in criminal law and trial practice.
• Ability to research and analyze legal problems and present findings in an orderly manner.
• Ability to comply with the requirements of Michigan Indigent Defense Counsel Standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Ability to utilize the services of experts, as necessary to communicate with clients, witnesses and all case related persons.
• Ability to work effectively with the economically disadvantaged and diverse social, cultural and ethnic populations in a respectful and sensitive manner.
• Ability to operate technology to search, update, correct and retrieve information.
• Ability to present a visual trial including working with multi-media presentation applications and equipment.
• Ability to communicate very effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to attend work regularly and work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively and respectfully in a complex, multicultural work environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion.

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