Van Buren County

Assistant Public Defender

Public Defender - Paw Paw, MI - Full Time

Salary Range: $80,363.99 - $108,673.31

JOB SUMMARY:  Provides indigent defense and legal services. Prepares, analyzes, presents, reports and communicates legal strategies, legal research and advices clients about legal matters. Appear at all levels of the trial court hearings, including arraignments, probable cause conferences, preliminary examinations, pre-trials, trials, sentencing, motions and other assigned hearings.

Employee Benefits: https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/846/Employee-Benefits 

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
 
  • Customer Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Employee Engagement
  • Process Focus
  • Financial Resources
  • Goal/Results Oriented
  • Communication
  • Leadership & Influence
  • Decision Making & Judgement
  • Analysis & Problem Solving
  • Excellent oral and written communications
 
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
  1. Ensures that legal strategies are customized for client’s needs and are well analyzed and effectively communicated to the clients.
  2. Prepare and present legal research and arguments to the courts ensuring sound arguments pursuant to law; Advises clients of their legal rights.
  3. Prepares and conducts investigations, properly interviewing clients, witnesses and every individual related to a law violation or crime.
  4. Determines deficiencies by using legal, scientific and technological knowledge. Ensures that the department is always updating technical and legal knowledge.
  5. Coordinates and implements leadership strategies based on functions, positions and performance.
  6. Effectively communicates with other departments of the organization to ensure that files are efficiently prepared and delivered on time on each scheduled court date.
  7. Analyzes, develops and maintains approaches in order to have an effective recruitment process for the new Holistic Defense Partner positions.
  8. Trains, develops, makes work assignments, supervises and evaluates intern/volunteer workforce.
  9. Litigates any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
  10. Performs attorney functions as assigned
 
  1. Ensures that procedures and manuals are documented and updated as necessary.
  2. Performs other administrative functions & projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
Required Education and Experience
  • Juris Doctor Degree.
  • Active membership in the Michigan State Bar.
  • Two (2) years of experience as a prosecutor, public defender, private criminal defense practitioner, legal intern or law clerk.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen. Applicant must complete County application form.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:                                                      None.

Delegation of Work:                                               N/A

Supervision Given:                                                 None.

Reports to:                                                            This position reports to the Deputy Chief Public Defender.

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to express oneself and exchange information both verbally and in writing. The employee is frequently required to move about the office environment; operate a computer and other office machinery; and move or transport files or other items to meetings and other office spaces. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. The ability to open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary is required.
Travel
Travel to Van Buren County buildings for job duties may be required.

OTHER DUTIES:
Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Van Buren County.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 
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The County of Van Buren is committed to ensuring honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States are provided preference in public employment consistent with Michigan Public Act 205 of 1897, as amended. If you meet the definition of a “veteran” provided by MCL 35.61.

I am an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including the reserve components and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.*
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I authorize the investigation of all statements, including references, in this application for employment as necessary for arriving at an employment decision. I also specifically waive any written notice requirements of Section 67 of 1978 PA 397 pertaining to disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary actions. I also waive any claim against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT and all current or former employers arising from such investigation or disclosure, including, but not limited to, slander and libel that may result from furnishing any information to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
This employment application shall be considered active for a period not to exceed 90 days. Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this period should inquire whether applications are being accepted at that time. I hereby understand and acknowledge that in the absence of an express written contract or agreement to the contrary; any employment relationship with VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT of an “at-will” nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.
In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) would be grounds for discharge. I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
I further understand that if I am offered employment, a physical, which may include drug testing (at VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT’s expense) may be required, proof of educational and licensing attainment must be submitted. If any driving is done for VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT purposes, I must be both eligible to drive and be qualified for insurance coverage. Employment by VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT is conditioned upon such results being satisfactory to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.*
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