Assistant Public Defender

Hourly pay rate will fall within stated range based on experience.

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public Defender Director, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in various forums, including county, municipal, and township courts, offering client-centered holistic legal representation to clients unable to afford legal counsel for criminal or civil violations. Additionally, the APD may be assigned to youth/juveniles under 18 years of age charged with criminal offenses and parents at risk of losing their children to the State because of allegations of neglect or abuse (N/A), and also sometimes serving as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in these cases.

The position also provides operational/administrative assistance to the Director for recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating a large volunteer and paid 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.

• 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) is preferred.

An Assistant Public Defender performs generally sedentary work activities, requiring the occasional lifting of objects weighing thirty-five (35) pounds or less.

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. This position may be in the Criminal Division or the Family Division.

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.

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.

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.

Muskegon County is an equal opportunity employer.

Muskegon County has adopted a Veterans Preference Policy that recognizes qualifying military service.