CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
DEPARTMENT: Public Defender's Office
HIRING AUTHORITY: Public Defender
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under direction, performs legal assignments involving highly complex and specialized cases. Represents clients in felony cases, supervises staff attorneys, and assists with office operations. Performs legal research, writes briefs, and handles cases in court.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Attends and participates in arraignments, conferences, hearings, trials, and sentencings; conducts pre-trial negotiations.
Represents clients in felony cases, including capital cases, from beginning stages through trial.
Determines proper, affidavits, subpoenas, legal pleadings, written briefs and other legal documents, while exercising considerable independent judgement.
Researches legal issues; advises staff of legal procedures; assists with investigations as needed.
Conducts trials of state law felony cases; including investigation, identifying evidence, engaging and collaborating with experts, and performing other necessary procedures.
Performs and/or coordinates special investigations, handles unusual or complicated cases and conducts legal research on specific issues as needed or directed.
Supervises and directs the activities of Staff Attorneys at the Macomb County Office of Public Defender.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university
- Five years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law
- Experience with misdemeanor jury trials and/or felony jury trials
- Qualified as a class A, B, and C attorney with the Macomb County System of Indigent Defense or eligible to be qualified
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience working within a public defender or other attorney’s office where criminal defense cases are managed
- Experience working on projects designed to increase efficiency in the office (such as information technology, development of training), and experience with procedures for obtaining experts/investigators
Required Licenses or Certifications
- Current membership in the State Bar of Michigan
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license operable automobile and insurance
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
- Criminal and civil law
- Criminal code
- Rules of procedure and rules of evidence
- Legal terminology and court procedures
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Skill in:
- Organization
- Management techniques
- Interviewing techniques
- Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
- Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
- Directing the work of others
- Project Management
Ability to:
- Perform legal research
- Accurately argue both orally and in writing
- Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
- Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
- Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information
- Work independently
