Closing Date: 5th May, 2024
Description:
Position Summary:Accepting candidates with a Juris Doctorate, Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and 10 years of criminal or governmental law and two (2) years of legal service administration. Assists with administration and management of the Public Defender's Office and staff for Jackson County. Easily apply by entering your personal contact information into our job application and uploading your cover letter and resume.
Position Description:
Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender/ Administrator, provides administrative and managerial assistance and serves the purpose of a legal representative on behalf of defendants assessed by the courts as being without sufficient means to retain legal counsel. Assists in the operation of the County's indigent criminal defense program to ensure that adult defendants receive competent legal representation in criminal proceedings. Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and ensures that the Public Defender's Office conforms to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. Assists in the preparation of the department's annual budget. Additional essential functions include but are not limited to:
- Provides legal counsel to clients, prepares for court appearances, represents clients in pre-trial conferences and preliminary examinations; and represents clients in court.
- Assists in the development and implementation of long and short term goals, objectives, and work standards for the office to include the establishment and direction of programs to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies; monitors expenditures to ensure that they are within budget guidelines.
- With the Chief Public Defender, provides direct supervision for subordinate staff, including selection, hiring and termination; training scheduling and provision of work assignments; performance management; administration of policy and procedure; and administration of discipline.
- Provides professional assistance to staff and other County departments including meetings with appointed and elected government officials, civic leaders and others.
- With the Chief Public Defender, implements programs to assess, meet or exceed mandated standards adopted as a requirement by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) for competent legal defense services.
- Provides administrative and informational studies related to statistical record keeping and other functional areas, which include research and compilations of informational data with conclusions and recommendations. Assists with review of contracts, reports, forms and other materials for completeness, accuracy and conformance to requirements.
- Monitors legal developments, including legislation and court decisions which may impact the work of the department; ensures that legal staff is kept up to date on such developments, providing adequate professional and technical assistance in areas of expertise.
- With the Chief Public Defender, approves pre-trial investigations, motions, polygraph examinations and expert witnesses while directing the defense of all criminal cases including in particular those that are the most complex or sensitive criminal cases, to include appearance in court to substitute personally as needed.
- In the absence of the Chief Public Defender, represents the County at meetings with local, state and federal officials; makes program presentations to the Board of Commissioners; may speak before groups and the media on matters related to the Public Defender's office; acts as media contact for Public Defender's Office.
Education: Juris Doctorate degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the State.
Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the practice of criminal law or governmental law, including a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the administration of legal services.
Other Requirements: Valid Michigan Drivers' License.