PUBLIC DEFENDER

Department: Indigent Defense

Affiliation: Non-Union

Position Effective Date: Immediate

Job Posting Date: December 13, 2021

Application Deadline: January 17, 2022 @ 5:00pm

Location: Monroe, Michigan

Open Position: 1

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the County Administrator/Chief Financial Officer, the Public Defender/Counsel Administrator is responsible for operating the county’s indigent defense system to ensure that adult defendants receive competent legal representation in criminal proceedings. The Defender/Administrator directs a staff of in-house assistant public defenders as well as contracted attorneys to provide legal representation. Responsible for screening, selecting and maintaining a roster of eligible attorneys for case assignment, evaluating attorney performance, authorizing payments, authorizing investigative resources and performing other duties associated with the provision of competent legal representation. Provides technical assistance and guidance to staff while ensuring strict conformance to all legal and procedural requirements. Maintains all administrative, budgetary and supervisory functions of the department. The essential responsibilities will include:

• Manages the county’s public criminal defense operation separate from the court including budgeting, planning, and general administration. Provides the County Administrator/Chief Financial Officer with ongoing reports regarding caseload, legal resources and costs.
• Supervises any support staff. Maintains responsibility for directing day-to-day operation workload of personnel, evaluates performance, and assures necessary training and professional development. Recommends disciplinary action according to established procedures.
• Directs assistant public defender attorneys in gathering and analyzing case evidence, preparing arguments, filing necessary documents and presenting cases in court. Assigns cases to assistants, reviews progress, and provides technical assistance and guidance.
• Supervises contracted attorneys working on behalf of the Public Defender’s Office. Identifies attorneys that are qualified to accept assignments.

Employment Qualifications:

Education and Licenses. Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association. Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Skills, Knowledge and Ability. At least 7 years of progressively more responsible experience in the practice of criminal defense or the equivalent. Skilled in assembling and analyzing data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports, and formulating policy and service recommendations. Can effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing and making presentations in public forums. Has knowledge of principles and practices of State of Michigan criminal law and public defense processes and procedures. In addition, should have knowledge of professional public management techniques involved in budgeting, personnel administration and resource management and the ability to identify and implement new best practices. Has the ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis and attend meetings scheduled at times other than normal business hours.

Good Moral Character. Possess a good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation covering school and employment history, criminal history, personal traits and integrity.

Drug Testing. Applicant will be screened for the use of illegal controlled substances. This testing will be completed after the conditional offer of employment.

Physical Demands. Duties require mobility (to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer), vision (to read printed materials and a computer monitor) and hearing and speech (sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone). These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Working Conditions. Exposure to individuals charged and/or convicted of a variety criminal crimes. Works in office or court setting.

Compensation:
$82,180.80 - $92,185.60 annually with annual step increases (based on qualifications)

How to Apply:

To apply go to the County of Monroe Career Center. Submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcripts, and three references with contact information. For consideration, all applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2022.

Monroe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.