CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
DEPARTMENT: Prosecutor's Office
HIRING AUTHORITY: Prosecuting Attorney
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 8:30 a.m.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Prosecutor and/or the Chief of Trials and Courts, supervises and provides guidance to Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys regarding specific cases as assigned. Makes recommendations on specific legal action taken and advises Prosecutor and staff on rulings and developments affecting cases in all Courts. May also personally handle all case types, including circuit court, district court, juvenile court and probate court cases, complex and specialized cases. Authorizes and prepares arrest warrants and search warrants. Performs legal research, writes briefs, and handles cases in court.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reviews, researches and analyzes trial problems and tactics and makes applicable recommendations to Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys.
Ensures cases are thoroughly prepared for court, in compliance with department policy and meet legal requirements.
Assists in the development of department policy and procedures; assists in the development and administration of the department budget.
Appears in court to handle a variety of miscellaneous legal or criminal matters; handles the most complex and specialized cases as directed by the Prosecutor, involving research, case preparation and court room presentations.
Acts as a liaison to the Circuit Court Bench regarding issues relevant to Prosecuting Attorney operations.
Responds to phone calls from the elected prosecutor, administrative staff, fellow prosecutors or law enforcement investigators at the local, county, state, federal and, on occasion, international level to discuss legal issues regarding any case involving the Macomb County Prosecutor's office.
Maintains communication with law enforcement investigators, victims, the court, and defense counsel for the scheduling and completing of motions, preliminary conferences and exams, and trials.
Performs warrant review, legal research and writing, motion practice, docket and file preparation, and case development.
Represents the people of the State of Michigan in Probate Court hearings involving juvenile delinquency matters, neglect and abuse cases, mental incompetency, and guardianship matters.
Updates case files, ensures evidence is properly redacted and available, and subpoenas witnesses and relevant records.
Conducts jury trials, including researching issues, filing motions, meeting with trial and expert witnesses, strategizing case presentation, preparing jury selection, and preparing opening and closing statements.
Negotiates pleas or other appropriate dispositions with defense attorneys on pending criminal matters consistent with the law and departmental policy.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited college or university is required
- Five (5) years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law
Required Licenses or Certifications
- Current membership in good standing in the State Bar of Michigan
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
- Criminal court procedures and practices and civil law and their applicability
- Court procedures and practices
- Criminal code
- Rules of procedure and rules of evidence
- Criminal and civil law and their applicability
- Legal terminology and court procedures
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
- Organization
- Interviewing techniques
Skill in:
- Negotiation and dispute resolution
- 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
- Effective written and oral communications skills.
Ability to:
- Supervise, direct and organize the work of others
- Perform legal research
- Accurately argue both orally and in writing
- Maintain the confidentiality of court proceedings
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, co-workers, court staff, clients and the public
- Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
- Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
- 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 and professional boundaries
- Work independently
