Staff Counsel

The Michigan Sentencing Commission (MSC) was created in the Legislative Council by Public Act 273 of 2024. The duties of the MSC, as described in MCL 769.34b, include making recommendations for modifications to the sentencing guidelines and conducting research on the sentencing guidelines and state and local sentencing and release policies. Additionally, the MSC has the authority to “recommend modifications to any law that affects sentencing or the use and length of incarceration.”

The Staff Counsel will provide legal and policy expertise to the Sentencing Commission, its staff, and the Michigan Legislature concerning sentencing guidelines issues and other sentencing policy questions.

This position reports to the Chief of Staff of the Michigan Sentencing Commission and will support the Chief of Staff’s work. The Staff Counsel may also be asked to assist the Research Director with research projects, including drafting reports.

The Staff Counsel serves in a nonpartisan role with the Michigan Sentencing Commission and the Legislative Council. This is a full-time position located in Lansing, MI, Monday-Friday.

Position Description

Salary

• $65,713 - $129,684/year

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• A juris doctor degree, an active license to practice law in Michigan, and previous professional experience in criminal law.
• A comprehensive understanding of Michigan’s felony sentencing system and Michigan’s sentencing guidelines, as well as knowledge of the criminal justice system in Michigan more generally.
• Strong writing skills, and the ability to draft high quality memoranda and reports for the Commission and public audiences. Experience presenting to government and public audiences a plus.
• Familiarity with the stakeholder groups represented on the Commission, and the ability to work well with these constituencies, as well as with legislators and staff. Prior experience in a legal or policy-oriented government staff role is preferred.
• Must be willing and able to work overtime as required.

Additional Requirements and Information

Online applications only are being accepted through the State of Michigan’s NEOGOV job posting website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan.

Applicants must include the following three items as separate attachments in the online application for full consideration:

1. Cover letter outlining interest and qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. A copy of law school transcripts.

The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The Legislative Council is a nonpartisan legislative information and service agency. This is an unclassified, non-Civil Service position in State government. All Legislative Council employees are considered “at-will,” except for LSB Printing Division union members. Employees are required to be non-partisan and maintain confidentiality.

This job is located at Boji Tower, 124 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan.

For job-related questions, call the Legislative Service Bureau Human Resources Office at (517) 373-9643.


For technical support with your online application, call NeoGov Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.

How to Apply

Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

Benefits

State employment benefits include everything from health insurance to retirement income and are worth about 40% of your salary. Employee premiums shares are required for most insurances.

This page gives a brief explanation of some of the benefits that are provided by the Legislative Council. See details on these and other employment information.

Leave Time
Full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 vacation leave days per year and13 sick days per year.

Holidays
Legislative Council employees receive 13 scheduled holidays each year.

Alternative Work Schedules
Flexible work schedules are available in some jobs. Flexible schedules may be limited to certain time periods per year.

Insurance and Other Benefits
Insurances include health, vision, dental and life. Employees also have the option to purchase voluntary insurances for additional life, accidental death, long term disability, long term care, and legal services, to name a few. Premiums vary for these insurances. Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and child care are also available.

Deferred Compensation
Employees may invest income in a tax-deferred retirement investment program. The state offers two optional deferred compensation plans, the 457 and 401(k). Employees decide the amount deducted from each paycheck.

Retirement
Employees receive a minimum 4% state contribution toward their defined contribution retirement fund. If an employee elects to contribute more, the state will match that percentage (up to 3%).