FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under direction, maintains a caseload of high and low severity felony and misdemeanor cases. Meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent and partially indigent adult criminal offenders.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Represents clients in felony and misdemeanor cases from beginning stages through trial.
Conducts pre-trials, reviews evidence, negotiates settlements, conducts investigations, meets with experts, conducts preliminary examinations, conducts jury trials, and prepares interlocutory appeals.
Prepares court documents and related case documents including motions, briefs, sentencing memoranda, deviation requests, witness lists, notices, jury instructions, interlocutory appeals, motions in limine, power point presentations, and other trial related matters, in connection with representation of clients in indigent criminal cases.
Conducts electronic legal research.
Communicates with clients, prosecutors, investigators, experts, community corrections, judges, and others in connection with the representation of indigent clients in criminal cases.
Analyzes and organizes case issues and case files.
Adept at organization of case files, tracking of time on case activities, and recording activities in case management system.
Ensures compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Counsel (MIDC) requirements, including, gathering information for MIDC reports, budgets, reviewing applications for investigators and experts, and management of attorney roster.
Participates in required Continued Legal Education training.
Assists with training of other attorneys and staff.
Operates an automobile to performe assigned job functions.
Perform duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education and Experience
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Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university
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Three (3) years of experience in the practice of criminal law
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Qualified as a class B, and C attorney with the Macomb County System of Indigent Defense or eligible to be qualified
Preferred Education and Experience
Required Licenses or Certifications
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A current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
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Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license, operable automobile, and insurance
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:
Knowledge of:
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Criminal law and statues
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Criminal code
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Rules of procedure and Michigan Rules of Evidence
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Legal terminology and local court procedures
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Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
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Electronic conferencing
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Microsoft Office
Skill in:
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Organization
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Effective communications in court proceedings
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Interviewing techniques
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Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
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Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Ability to:
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Collaborate on case strategy
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Competently conduct felony jury trials
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Perform legal research, including electronic research
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Accurately argue both orally and in writing
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Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
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Understand and carry out oral and written directions
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Conduct virtual meetings with courts and others
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Keep up with technological advancements that enhance trial practice
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Effectively use technology for discovery, motion practice, and when conducting trial
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Follow Macomb County Office of Public Defender’s code of conduct
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Work with others in team approach to client defense
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Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
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Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
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Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
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Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
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Work independently
