The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed chief public defender, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in various forums, including county, municipal, and township courts, offering quality legal representation to defendants unable to afford legal counsel for criminal or civil violations. Additionally, the APD may be assigned to juvenile delinquency and neglect and abuse (NA) cases, serving as a Guardian ad litem (GAL). The position also provides operational/administrative assistance to the department head for recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating a large volunteer workforce of qualified student interns. While initially under supervision, the lawyer progressively gains independence with experience. As an APD progresses in the department, in addition to the tasks described above, the APD may be assigned to take on administrative duties, train and/or supervise subordinates, take leadership positions, and take on more difficult and/or higher jeopardy cases.
Assistant Public Defender
Required Minimum Entrance Qualifications
- Must possess a Law Degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a valid Michigan driver's license.
- Must be eligible for Membership in the State Bar Association and be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
- Must be able to secure clearance to enter correctional facilities.
- Must be able to provide personal transportation for job related duties throughout the County if a County-owned vehicle is not available.
Preferred but not Required
- Bilingual in Spanish highly desired.
- Two years of experience in the practice of criminal or family (i.e.: Neglect and Abuse, Juvenile, Probate (Mental Health) law) law is preferred.
Physical Conditions / Work Location
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
An Assistant Public Defender performs generally sedentary work activities, requiring the occasional lifting of objects weighing thirty-five (35) pounds or less.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
An Assistant Public Defender works in a variety (i.e. County Courthouse, Jail, Public Defenders Office, etc.) of locations and additional travel may be required.
Additional Information
EVALUATION CONTENT
The selected candidate must take a post-offer medical examination (including back screen and complete physical) and drug screening test given by a County appointed physician before the first day of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for County employment may be subject to a post-offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.
APPLICANT REVIEW PROCEDURE
Any applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the County regarding the applicant’s employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the County Human Resources Department.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the County system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for three months unless exhausted or extended.