Van Buren County

Chief Public Defender

Public Defender - Paw Paw, MI - Full Time

2026 Salary Range: $111,912.12 - $136,420.25
 
JOB SUMMARY:  This Chief Public Defender (CPD) is responsible for the development, implementation, oversight, and direction of the Public Defender Office and the indigent defense (ID) contract system. The CPD shall be responsible for staffing the Public Defender Office, creation and supervision of all attorney contracts and/or attorney rosters within the contract system. Ensures that Van Buren County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent clients and provides a high level of ID services. The CPD supervises and directs all ID staff; monitors all ID contracts and attorney rosters for compliance; develops and implements policies and procedures for all three facets of ID; directs and/or performs the department's administrative functions; and prepares the department’s annual budget.
ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
  • Customer Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Employee Engage
  • Process Focus
  • Financial Resources
  • Organizational Values
  • Goal/Results Oriented
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability
  • IT Application
  • Leadership & Influence
  • Management
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Decision Making & Judgement
  • Analysis & Problem Solving


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. Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the activities of all three facets of ID are in compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements regarding the defense of indigent clients. Obtain appropriate approval by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), as necessary.
  2. Supervise and direct the activities of all Public Defender Office staff. Verify that each contracted attorney has current and adequate professional liability insurance.
  3. Attend court proceedings to monitor attorneys’ performance.
  4. Monitor attorney participation in continuing legal education (CLE) events as well as collecting all data as required by the MIDC relative to CLE hours.
  5. Monitor performance of all client ID contracts and/or attorney rosters ID contracts.
  6. Advise the County Administrator of violations of contract provisions, and recommendations on how to remedy compliance issues. Advise the County Administrator of recurring requests for waivers from contract requirements.
  7. Develop and implement internal caseload management reporting to certify Supreme Court and MIDC standards and mandates are met.
  8. Manage the department budget.
  9. Stay informed of legal precedents and relevant legislation as it pertains to ID representation.
  10. Attend meetings with other agencies and departments as required. Provide updates to the Board of Commissioners and Parent Committee as required.



QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
Required Education and Experience
Juris Doctor degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of criminal defense or the equivalent
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively more responsible experience in the administration of legal services.

Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in business management or a related field

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:                                                      Public Defender Staff

Delegation of Work:                                               Delegates work to subordinates as necessary.

Supervision Given:                                                 Public Defender Staff

Reports to:                                                            This position reports to the County Administrator

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.
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