Assistant Public Defender I

Under the direction of the Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender and senior attorneys, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with high and low severity felonies and misdemeanors.  May also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and will work in a team oriented office.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Provides legal counsel to indigent adults charged with crimes by meeting with clients, preparing for court appearances, drafting briefs, performing legal research, analyzing evidence and planning strategy; represents clients at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, preliminary examinations, pretrial motions, bench trial, jury trials, presenting evidence, arguing motions, calling/examining witnesses, presenting opening statements and closing argument.
• Interacts productively with clients, Prosecutors, Sheriff's Department, State Police and other law enforcement agencies, courts, private attorneys, private investigators and social agencies to ensure adequateness of criminal investigations and evaluating the sufficiency of evidence to justify prosecutions.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Possess an undergraduate degree plus a Juris Doctor Degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the state.  Experience practicing criminal law is preferred but not necessary.  A desire to provide exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants is required.  Case assignments will be based on experience level.  Mentoring and training will be provided.
 
Must be licensed in good standing to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid Michigan driver's license.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
• Computer literacy, including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and internet applications software.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal law and procedure, particularly as related to the defense of clients, investigations, research, data analysis, report preparation techniques and computer applications related to the work;
• A willingness and ability to work within a team approach to all aspects of indigent defense.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to interact positively and objectively with clients, other staff and supervisors, managers, employees, consultants, investigators and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; including both verbal and written interactions.