Chief Deputy Public Defender

Jackson County seeks an experienced criminal law attorney to assist in the operation of the County?s indigent criminal defense program to ensure that adult defendants receive competent legal representation in criminal proceedings.

Easily apply through our job board at www.bsaonline.com by entering your contact information in the online application then uploading your cover letter, resume and any other credentials you wish to include. We do not require re-entry of resume details in our employment application!

Working under the direction of the Chief Public Defender/ Administrator, provides administrative and managerial assistance and serves the purpose of a legal representative on behalf of defendants assessed by the courts as being without sufficient means to retain legal counsel. Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and ensures that the Public Defender?s Office conforms to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. Assists in the preparation of the department?s annual budget and monitors expenditures.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

1. Provides legal counsel to clients, prepares for court appearances by drafting briefs, researching similar cases, analyzing evidence and planning strategy; represents clients in pre-trial conferences and preliminary examinations; and represents clients in court, delivering the case, presenting statements, arguing motions and calling/examining witnesses.
2. Assists in the development and implementation of long and short term goals, objectives, and work standards for the office.
3. Provides administrative and informational studies related to statistical record keeping and other functional areas. Assists with review of contracts, reports, forms and other materials for completeness, accuracy and conformance to requirements.
4. Monitors legal developments, including legislation and court decisions which may impact the work of the department.
5. With the Chief Public Defender:
- Provides direct supervision for subordinate staff, including selection, hiring and termination; training scheduling and provision of work assignments; performance management; administration of policy and procedure; and administration of discipline.
- Implements programs to assess, meet or exceed mandated standards adopted as a requirement by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) for competent legal defense services.
- Approves pre-trial investigations, motions, polygraph examinations and expert witnesses while directing the defense of all criminal cases including in particular those that are the most complex or sensitive criminal cases, to include appearance in court to substitute personally as needed.
6. In the absence of the Chief Public Defender, represents the County at meetings with local, state and federal officials; makes program presentations to the Board of Commissioners; may speak before groups and the media on matters related to the Public Defender?s office; acts as media contact for Public Defender?s Office.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Juris Doctorate degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the State.

Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the practice of criminal law or governmental law, including a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the administration of legal services.

Other Requirements: Valid Michigan Drivers? License.

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE; BENEFITS EFFECTIVE DATE OF HIRE
This is an exempt level position with excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, paid time off and paid holidays, effective date of hire!

CORE BENEFITS (Provided at no cost): $30,000 Life Insurance, $30,000 AD&D; Long-Term Disability; Employee Wellness Benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Holidays; Paid Time Off (based on length of service); Paid bereavement leave; and Education Assistance of up to $3,000 annually.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS (cost share required): Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision; Optional Life Insurance for employee, spouse and dependent children; Short-Term Disability; Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and/or Dependent Care); Health Savings Accounts, Accident Protection, Critical Illness Protection, Consumerism Card; Legal Shield & ID Shield.

Employees opting out of the County's health benefit plan with proof of other coverage may qualify for an annual $3,000 Cash-In-Lieu of insurance benefit (payable in bi-weekly increments).

Full time employees are also offered an Employer match of up to 5% in our Defined Contribution Plan and greater than two times the employee contribution to our Retirement Health Savings Plan (RHS). The Employee contribution for the RHS Plan is $900 annually with an employer contribution of $2,050 annually.

For full benefit details, go to https://www.mijackson.org/439/Employment-Benefits

We are a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer. For details about PSLF, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

We're a great place to work and great place to live - check us out!
Join our team, our values, our purpose - Proudly serve the citizens of Jackson County:

* Quality & Efficiency: Our employees are committed to continuous improvement and getting the most value for the public resources entrusted to them.
* Integrity and accountability: Our employees behave in a fair and ethical manner and demonstrate a strong commitment to public services.
* Teamwork and Community: Our employees work collaboratively with each other and the community to achieve shared goals.

To learn more and complete an employment application, search "LIVE, WORK, PLAY JACKSON, MI" or go to https://www.mijackson.org/31/Live-Work-Play

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $104,832.00 - $117,936.00 per year

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person