Assistant Public Defender III Job Howell area,Michigan USA,Law/Legal

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Chief Assistant Public Defender, this position is responsible for performing a wide assortment of criminal defense work in the District and Circuit Courts while functioning with broad latitude in defending assigned cases. This classification is typically assigned to ongoing caseload requiring the highest level of acumen and experience.

Benefits with this Position Include:

Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
Optional HSA with an employer match
Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid vacation, sick days & 13 Holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
Employee assistance program

* Pro-rated based on DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The Assistant Public Defender III position is a grant funded, non-union, exempt position and starting pay is $/yr. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 14 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $/yr
.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motions, sentencing, and other proceedings in District and Circuit Courts. These cases are typically the most complex or of a sensitive nature.

Appears in court for arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, pre-trials, trials, sentencing, and other related activities regarding cases in District, and Circuit Courts. These cases are typically the most complex or of a sensitive nature.

Provides advice and/or training to County officials, attorneys, departments, employees, and law enforcement officers regarding legal obligations, authority, and liability in connection with official duties.

Interviews and informs clients, witnesses, and other parties regarding cases, legal procedures, and court appearances.

Discusses potential defenses and outcomes of cases with clients and explains legal rights, court procedures and responsibilities of the parties involved.

Reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, medical reports, and researches legal issues, motions filed by opposing counsel and prepares a defense.

Assists lower-level attorneys and supervisors with interpreting legal information, courtroom policies and procedures, and preparing cases for trial. Aids and assists with scheduling other attorneys for court appearances, meetings, evaluating possible defenses and potential appeals.

Serves at the direction of the Chief Public Defender and/or Chief Assistant Public Defender in all courts to handle felonies, misdemeanors, appeals, and specialty courts.

Keeps the Chief Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender apprised of case status and high-profile cases.

Attends legal conferences and seminars to stay current on legal issues, updates and learns strategies and information regarding criminal and other matters.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

Juris Doctorate Degree and five years of progressively more responsible experience in criminal law as a Public Defender, private attorney or Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.
Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of State of Michigan criminal and case law, and courtroom procedures.
Considerable knowledge of performing legal research, reviewing and interpreting evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing and interpreting…