Assistant Public Defender III

Job Description

Under the direction of the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors. Will also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and work in a team oriented office.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the James Street Complex located at 12185 James Street, Holland, MI 49424. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Essential Job Functions

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 and 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.

Required Education, Training and Experience

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; has practiced criminal law for five full years, and has experience as lead counsel in no fewer than seven felony jury trials that have been submitted to a jury; or has a significant record of consistently high quality criminal trial court representation and the ability to handle life offense cases.

Must be licensed in good standing to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid Michigan driver's license.

Additional Requirements and Information

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.

Job Description

Under the direction of the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors. Will also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and work in a team oriented office.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the James Street Complex located at 12185 James Street, Holland, MI 49424. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Essential Job Functions

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 and 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.

Required Education, Training and Experience

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; has practiced criminal law for five full years, and has experience as lead counsel in no fewer than seven felony jury trials that have been submitted to a jury; or has a significant record of consistently high quality criminal trial court representation and the ability to handle life offense cases.

Must be licensed in good standing to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid Michigan driver's license.

Additional Requirements and Information

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.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Unclassified Benefits Summary for more information.

The current Unclassified group manual can be viewed here.

The Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here.

**Part-time benefitted positions will recieve prorated benefits.