Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office

Position Information

Agency Level: County

County: Wayne

Agency: County Prosecutor’s Office

Job Title: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Department: Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU)

Salary: $80,000.00 – $92,000.00 Yearly

Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full medical benefits, as well as a retirement plan with robust time off, and paid parental leave, etc., with an annual step increase.

Position: Full-Time

Posting Date: 01/26/2026

Application Deadline: 02/07/2026

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) is a specialized team within the prosecutor’s office focused on reviewing and investigating claims of wrongful convictions to ensure justice and the accurate prosecution of individuals.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Operating on a fact-based approach, the CIU examines case files, gathers new evidence, and collaborates with prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. Its mission is rooted in ethical obligations to rectify wrongful convictions, and if investigations reveal credible claims of innocence, the CIU recommends appropriate actions to vacate convictions or seek new trials. Ultimately, Prosecutor Worthy has the sole discretion to make the decision. By addressing past errors, the CIU aims to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system and promote fairness and accountability.

List of Responsibilities and Duties:

• Review and investigate claims of innocence, including gathering and analyzing new evidence.
• Examine case files including police reports, trial transcripts and court opinions to identify potential issues or new evidence.
• Interview witnesses who may provide information relevant to claims of innocence.
• Arrange for new or additional forensic testing of physical evidence when necessary.
• Conduct legal research to understand applicable laws, precedents and ethical obligations related to wrongful convictions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate evidence and recommend actions based on findings
• Prepare comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Engage with community organizations, legal advocates and the public to raise awareness about wrongful convictions and the work of the CIU.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support collective decision making and strategy development regarding case investigations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate Degree; must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan; possess effective oral and written communication skills; highly organized and extremely motivated. You must have a minimum of 2 years of experience doing legal work, preferably in the criminal law area.

Application Instructions:

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and a negative drug test.

TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, resume and 3 references and a statement of interest to Daryl M. Carson, Chief of Staff at dcarson@waynecountymi.gov and Valerie Newman, Deputy Chief and Director of the Conviction Integrity Unit at vnewman@waynecountymi.gov

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER