Deputy Public Defender - Trials & Training

Closing Date: 16th December, 2025

Description:

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Public Defender, provides administrative and managerial assistance to the Public Defender Office and serves the purpose of a legal representative on behalf of defendants assessed by the courts as being without sufficient means to retain legal counsel.

This is a full-time, benefited position that requires frequent travel throughout the County and State.

Essential Job Functions:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists with the development and implementation of long and short term goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department to include in particular the establishment and direction of programs to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
• Provides legal counsel to clients, prepares for court appearances by drafting briefs, researching similar cases, analyzing evidence and planning strategy; represents clients in pre-trial conferences and preliminary examinations; and represents clients in court, delivering the case, presenting statements, arguing motions and calling/examining witnesses.
• Provides direct supervision for subordinate staff, including selection, hiring and termination; training, scheduling and provision of work assignments; performance management; administration of policy and procedure; and administration of discipline.
• Plans and carries out administrative and information studies related to statistical record keeping and other functional areas, which include research and compilations of informational data with conclusions and recommendations.
• Assists with review of contracts, reports, forms and other materials for completeness, accuracy, and conformance to requirements.
• Implements programs to assess, meet or exceed mandated standards adopted as a requirement by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) for competent legal defense services.
• Monitors legal developments, including legislation and court decisions which may impact the work of the Department; ensures that legal staff is kept up to date on such developments.
• Participates in the preparation and administration of the department's budget and monitors expenditures to ensure that they are within budget guidelines.
• Regularly meet with attorneys to review activities, coordinate work effort, discuss and resolve problems, and assure adherence to department goals, objectives, and policies.
• Directs 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 the overall maintenance of accurate records and files. Maintains accurate legal records and files; prepares or directs the preparation of briefs, legal materials, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Substitute for attorneys as necessary and/or personally handle complex, sensitive or significant representation problems.
• Interacts productively with Sheriff's Department, State Police and other law enforcement agencies, courts, private attorneys and social agencies to ensure adequateness of criminal investigations and evidence to justify prosecutions.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience
Possess an undergraduate degree (with preferable courses in business management and/or criminal law) plus a Juris Doctor Degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the state; have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the practice of criminal law or governmental law, and at least two (2) years of progressively more responsible experience in the administrative supervision of legal services; authority to practice law in the State of Michigan.

Must be licensed in good standing to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid Michigan driver's license.

Additional Requirements and Information:
The qualified candidate will have the following knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge, skills and experience in management/supervision, enlightened leadership, human relations, finance/budget, office administration, planning, organizing, communications (written and verbal);
• Excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents, and court procedures.
• Computer literacy, including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and internet applications software.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal, civil contempt and juvenile law, particularly as related to the defense of clients, investigations, research, data analysis, report preparation techniques and computer applications related to the work;
• Considerable ability to plan, organize and direct a high volume law firm that encompasses directing the work of others, providing for their training and professional development, interpreting, applying and explaining laws, policies and regulations, analyzing complex legal and administrative problems, evaluating alternatives and adopting sound courses of action.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact positively and objectively with directors, managers, employees, auditors, regulatory and funding agency staff, investment managers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; including both verbal and written interactions.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Physical Requirements:
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.

Working Conditions:
Work is generally performed in a normal office environment with travel throughout the County and State.

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