Job Details

Assistant Public Defender I - Temporary/Part-Time

• $30.45/ Hour
• This is a part-time/temporary position working a maximum of 1,000 hours per calendar year. There are no benefits.

Duties:

• Provides court-appointed indigent defense services within Berrien County Courts.
• Carries a full caseload as determined by the Chief Public Defender.
• Attends legal and community meetings.
• Reviews charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery provided by the prosecution.
• Promptly meets with clients and learns the client’s goals for representation.
• Identifies any special needs of the client.
• Determines what further investigation to undertake and what legal issues need development.
• Directs investigations and researches necessary legal issues.
• Negotiates with the prosecution and promptly advises the client of the status of those negotiations.
• Litigates any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
• Conducts any post-trial litigation.
• This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• No prior experience is required; however, at least one year of criminal defense experience or comparable civil legal services is desired.

Special Requirements:

• Must be a member of the State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
• If awaiting bar results, applicant may be hired in pending passage of bar exam.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to operate technology and typical office equipment.
• Able to utilize the services of interpreters when necessary.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to relate empathetically to clients with diverse backgrounds and special needs.
• Must exercise common sense and good judgment.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Ability to learn quickly, multitask, and function efficiently under stressful and distracting conditions.
• Work independently as well as cooperatively in a legal services team atmosphere.

Note:

• APDs may participate only in Berrien County Public Defender Office assigned legal work for compensation during their employment, apart from cases obtained prior to employment with the office.
• Permission of the Chief Public Defender is required to continue representation on prior non-BCPD cases and/or to be involved in active representation on a pro bono basis.