Description

Job Summary:    Under the general direction of the Chief Public Defender, provides court appointed indigent defense attorney services.

Salary:   $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 annually plus benefits

Primary Duties & Responsibilities, individually and as a supervisor for staff attorneys:

1. Provides court appointed indigent defense services through an active caseload. Meets and consults with clients, reviews charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery.
2. Researches and prepares criminal cases for trials, motions, sentencing hearings, and other proceedings. This includes research of applicable law, interviewing witnesses, investigating claims, and developing trial strategies.
3. Appears in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing, and other related proceedings.
4. Determines if additional investigation is necessary, including the identification, consultation, and hiring of applicable experts as approved by the Chief Public Defender.
5. Prepares briefs, legal documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
6. Attempts to negotiate and resolve pending cases without a trial where appropriate.
7. Actively participates in programs designed to address the underlying causes and risk factors that lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. These programs may be provided through treatment courts, legal or civic organizations.
8. The Chief Public Defender will design and implement training which maintains professional knowledge of the criminal law both for himself and other  attorneys and staff within the Public Defender Office.
9. Maintains appropriate client contact throughout the entire process.
10. Ensures that files being handled are kept current as to status so that other staff members can determine that status.
11. Passionate about advocating for the needs and interests of the client.
    
    

Job Qualifications:

1. A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
2. Five or more years as a licensed attorney. Experience as a criminal law practitioner preferred.  Copies of motions, briefs, and other legal writing samples may be required if no criminal law experience.
3. Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications for the creation and compilation of various documents, communications and reports. Ability to use the Internet and email.
4. Possess a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license with an acceptable driving record.
5. Strong interpersonal skills necessary.
6. The ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, including to read and interpret documents, prepare reports and correspondence, and to present information and respond to questions.
7. Reasoning skills needed to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
8. Mental ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions. Frequent pressures related to deadlines and fulfilling scheduling requirements.
9. Professionalism is an absolute necessity, along with the ability to appropriately handle both confidential information and sensitive situations.
10. The ability to supervise assistant public defender attorneys, administrative staff, and other personnel necessary to operate the Public Defender Office for Menominee County Michigan.
    
    

Please send resume and three letters of reference to Kim Coggins, via email kim@cogginslaw.net by June 1, 2021.

Equal opportunity employer.