Job Title

Position: Chief Assistant Public Defender- BenzieMaximise your chances of a successful application to this job by ensuring your CV and skills are a good match./_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_SALARY: $108,430.00DEPARTMENT: Regional Public Defender's OfficeOPENING DATE: November 25, 2025CLOSING DATE: Until FilledJOB DESCRIPTION:Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Public Defender, serves as the attorney of record of all indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Manistee and Benzie Counties meet all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult offenders. The Chief Assistant Public Defender will carry a full caseload and will be responsible for providing supervision to the Regional Public Defenders Office's staff, including the Associate Public Defenders, investigators, and clerical assistants. The Chief Assistant Public Defender will maintain full compliance with standards set forth by the MIDC/LARA.The Chief Assistant Public Defender may participate only in assigned legal work from the Manistee/Benzie Regional Public Defender's Office for compensation during their employment, with the exception of cases obtained prior to employment with the office. Permission by the Chief Public Defender is required to continue with prior representations.This is a full-time, benefited position that requires frequent travel throughout Manistee and Benzie Counties. The position will be open until filled and will be contingent on the continuation of funding.BENEFITS:* Hybrid pension plan which includes a Defined Benefit & Defined Contribution* Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy & Dental* Short-term Disability and Basic Life & AD&D insurance* Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan, VSP, AFLAC & Life Insurance* Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts* Paid Vacation and Personal Time & 13 Holidays* Vacation rollover and PR payout within Policy GuidelinesESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS:* Represents clients in court proceedings, interviews law enforcement personnel, witnesses, correction officers, etc. Engages in negotiations with the Prosecutor and clients; prepares correspondence and legal documents; gathers case evidence, conducts research and reviews exhibits, reports, statements, etc.; conducts all aspects of criminal representation including, but not limited to, appearing and arguing in court for arraignments, probable cause conferences, preliminary examinations, pre-trial hearings, evidentiary motions, probation violation hearings, trials, and sentencing. Litigate any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate. Conducts any post-trial litigation, including appeals, if assigned.* Reviews charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery provided by the prosecution, and promptly meet with clients to learn the client's goals for the representation and any special needs. Determines what further facts need investigating and directs that investigation; determines what legal issues need development and researches those issues.* Assigns cases to the Associate Public Defenders and private counsel as authorized and directed by the Chief Public Defender. Ensures attorneys are assigned for first appearance. Directs Associate Public Defenders in gathering and analyzing evidence, preparing arguments, filing necessary documents, and presenting cases in court. Consults and recommends a course of formal legal defense as appropriate and regularly monitors cases in progress; aides the Chief Public Defender in making departmental decisions on major courses of action & plea-bargaining conditions.* Handles administrative duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender including, but not limited to, participating in the performance appraisal process, assisting in the hiring process, conducting new hire orientation, budgeting, managing educational requirements of staff and contract attorneys, reviewing and compiling caseload statistics, and enforcing office policies and procedures in conjunction with the Chief Public Defender.* Maintains availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participates in training programs; maintains current knowledge of appropriate support functions.* Utilizes county resources efficiently and effectively to provide a high level of indigent defense services; ensures that legal representation of each client continues in other courts, legal proceedings arising from the same case and programs as requested by the court and that once assigned, attorney continues to represent each client through to completion of the proceedings unless a reassignment is necessary.* Monitors legal developments, including legislation and court decisions which may impact the work of the Department; ensure that legal staff is kept up to date on such developments.* Aides in the development and implementation of programs to assess, meet or exceed mandated standards adopted by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan for competent legal defense services.* Review and enforce proper case load management and ensure confidential information is being maintained and stored in an appropriate manner consistent with the law and Rules of Professional Conduct; maintains accurate, complete and legible case files.* Attend meetings, conferences, and continuing legal education opportunities as approved by the Chief Public Defender and monitors private counsel participation in continuing legal education events. Attend meetings and conferences with other agencies and departments as required.* Perform other duties as required by the Chief Public Defender.REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:Education: This position requires a Juris Doctor degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan as evidence of continued good standing and the authority to practice law through the State of Michigan.Experience: Five years of criminal defense experience. Must have a significant record of consistently high-quality criminal trial court representation and the ability to handle a life offense case.Physical: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. Work is generally performed in a normal office and court environment with travel through Manistee and Benzie County.Other: Must have the ability to operation technology to search, update, correct and retrieve information. Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check. Must maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance. Possession of a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle required. xijylhu Benzie and Manistee Counties are Equal Opportunity Employers.To apply:Mail cover letter, resume and credentials to Manistee County, Julie Griffis, HR Generalist at 415 Third Street, Manistee, MI 49660 or email to Job Type: Full-timePay: Up to $108,430.00 per yearBenefits:* Dental insurance* Employee assistance program* Flexible spending account* Health insurance* Life insurance* Paid time off* Retirement plan* Tuition reimbursement* Vision insuranceWork Location: In person