Provides court-appointed indigent defense services within Berrien County Courts. Carries a full caseload as determined by the Chief Public Defender. Attends legal and community meetings as directed. Reviews charging instruments, police reports and other discovery provided by the prosecution; promptly meets with clients and learns the client’s goals for the representation and any special needs of the client; determines what further fact investigation to undertake and directs that investigation; determines what legal issues need development and researches those issues. Negotiates with the prosecution and promptly advises the client of the status of those negotiations. Litigates any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial. Conducts any post-trial litigation; maintains availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participates in training programs; maintains current knowledge of appropriate support functions; maintains accurate, complete and legible case files. Performs duty-attorney functions as assigned. Special projects as assigned. The duties stated are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person so classified and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
Graduation from an accredited law school; must be a member of the Michigan State Bar in good standing. At least five years of criminal defense experience or comparable civil legal services is desired. Ability to operate technology to search, update, correct, and retrieve information. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a variety of people from divergent backgrounds. Ability to operate typical office equipment. Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen. Must maintain regular, reliable and predictable attendance; possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in order to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities. Utilize services of interpreters when necessary; maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information. Exercise common sense and good judgment; function efficiently under stressful and distracting conditions. APDs may participate only in Berrien County Public Defender Office (BCPD) assigned legal work for compensation during their employment, with the exception of cases obtained prior to employment with the office. Permission of the Chief Public Defender is required to continue representation on prior non-BCPD cases and/or to be involved in active representation on a pro bono basis. Note: Applicants that do not meet the minimum requirements for APD III but have at least two years of criminal defense experience may qualify for APD II ($58,300- $78,128); applicants with no prior experience may qualify for APD I ($53,001-$71,027).
Complete application from the County’s website and mail to the Personnel department along with a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample. https://berriencounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/695/Application-for-Employ...