Assistant PUBLIC Defender I​/Ii​/Iii; Public Defender - Control No

INTERNAL UNION APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION FOR UNION POSITIONS

As an assistant trial lawyer to the appointed county public defender, under either general or direct supervision of managerial/supervisory staff, this developing, professional level - trial lawyer position serves as an integral part of a legal defense team. This position provides legal representation on behalf of all defendants, including juveniles, charged with criminal or civil violations who are assessed by the courts as being without sufficient resources to retain legal counsel.

Position is initially under close supervision and as trial attorneys gain greater experience to perform more independently, employees gradually receive more complex assignments. Advancement to LEVELS II and III are made after gaining required experience while demonstrating acceptable work proficiency.

• Interviews clients, witnesses, professional experts and law enforcement personnel while also examining police reports and investigating crime scenes to gather available facts for use in legal representation.
• Investigates or assigns to an investigator the background facts for clients by interviewing friends, family associates, schools, social agencies and employers while also gathering data such as police records, school records and employment histories.
• Provides effective counseling to clients for a realistic evaluation of the facts and evidence in their case to ascertain what is in their best interest as regards bench or jury trials or other alternative case dispositions.
• Represents the appointed county public defender in providing effective counseling to clients regarding personal problems such as job training, alcohol and drug abuse therapy, education opportunities and a general resolution of family problems.
• Provides effective referral information to clients regarding issues such as job training, alcohol and drug abuse therapy, education opportunities and a general resolution of family problems.
• Effectively prepares for court appearances by drafting briefs, legal researching and analyzing evidence and planning strategy as needed.
• Effectively represents the appointed county public defender in providing competent legal representation for clients charged with criminal or civil violations at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motions, sentencing, preliminary examinations for felonies, abuse and neglect matters and juvenile delinquency cases.
• Effectively represents the appointed county public defender in providing competent legal representation for clients in the conduct of jury or bench trials within the courts in delivering the case to include presenting opening and closing statements, arguing motions, and calling and examining witnesses.
• Reads extensively to keep current on new laws, precedents and court procedures.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance in and out of court.
• Regularly confer with supervisor regarding status and direction of cases.
• Discuss concluded cases with supervisors and colleagues to review appropriateness of methods and techniques used in providing competent legal defense to clients.
• Assists effectively in training, giving work assignments, supervising and evaluating volunteer student interns.
• As assigned, attend and participate, as the representative of the Public Defender, community or committee meetings on topics related to the functions of the Public Defender's s Office.
• As assigned, once qualified and on a rotating basis, work weekend and holiday duty
• Complies with all standards promulgated by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission including, but not limited to, standards regarding training, education, and CLE requirements.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer monitor and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Possess an understanding of the unique legal and social needs of the clients the office serves
• Demonstrate a willingness to participate in community outreach and education efforts

• Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan or obtain membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan within probationary period and eligibility to practice under MCR 8.120.
• Each non-licensed new hire will be allowed one opportunity following hire to take the State Bar of Michigan examination. Following the notification of complete licensure within the minimum of a six-month probationary period, a…