Assistant Public Defender

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, the Assistant Public Defender is a trial lawyer position who serves as attorney for indigent clients throughout Marquette County and as an advocate for indigent defense. The Assistant Public Defender performs legal research using electronic and online tools, handles cases in District and Circuit Court, and provides representation of individuals on the arraignment docket. This position may handle other cases as directed by the Chief Public Defender. The Assistant Public Defender shall advocate in the best interest for clients while providing quality legal

representation for defendants without means to retain legal counsel, after being charged with criminal or civil violations.

Essential Functions

• The Assistant Public Defender provides court appointed indigent defense services within Marquette County courts and carries a full caseload, as determined by the Chief Public Defender.
• Attends legal and community meetings as directed.
• 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 and any special needs of the client.
• Determines what further fact investigation to undertake and directs that investigation, determining what legal issues need development and researches those issues.
• Negotiates with the prosecution and promptly advises the client of the status of the negotiations.
• Drafts any necessary motions, briefs, and orders.
• Litigates any legal issue that is necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
• Conducts any required post-trial litigation, maintains current knowledge of appropriate support functions; maintains accurate, complete and legible case files.
• Maintains availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participates in training programs; maintains current knowledge of appropriate support functions.
• Complies with requirements of the MIDC Standards for ongoing training.
• Performs attorney functions, other duties, and special projects, as assigned by senior attorneys, the Chief Public Defender, or designee.
• Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to privacy and confidentiality.
• Must adhere to all other County policies and procedures.
• Drafts informational blog posts for the departmental website.
• Performs other duties as assigned.