Description:
As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here (https://www.macombgov.org/departments/human-resources-and-labor-relations/current-employees/employee-benefits-0)
Classification Title:
Principle Trial Lawyer
Salary:
$107,194.65 - $138,647.32
Department:
Public Defenders Office
Opening Date:
08/28/2026
Closing Date:
08/28/2026
Closing Date:
09/12/2026 12:00 A.M.
Flsa Status: Exempt
Employment Relationship: Just Cause Subject to Probationary Period
Current Hours and Starting Time: Full-Time (37.5 Hours per Week) Position. the Starting Time for This Position Is 8:00am – 4:30pm.
General Summary:
Under Direction, Performs Legal Assignments Involving Highly Complex and Specialized Cases. Represents Indigent Clients in Misdemeanor and Felony Cases, Including Capital Cases, First Chair Responsibilities with Second Chair Staff Attorneys, Supervises Directs Assigned Staff, and Assists with Office Operations. Performs Legal Research, Writes Briefs, and Handles Cases in Court.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Required Education and Experience:
Preferred Education and Experience:
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Knowledge Of:
Skill In:
Organization:
Ability To:
Employment Relationship: Just Cause Subject to Probationary Period
Current Hours and Starting Time: Full-Time (37.5 Hours per Week) Position. the Starting Time for This Position Is 8:00am – 4:30pm.
General Summary:
Under Direction, Performs Legal Assignments Involving Highly Complex and Specialized Cases. Represents Indigent Clients in Misdemeanor and Felony Cases, Including Capital Cases, First Chair Responsibilities with Second Chair Staff Attorneys, Supervises Directs Assigned Staff, and Assists with Office Operations. Performs Legal Research, Writes Briefs, and Handles Cases in Court.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Attends and Participates in Arraignments, Pre-Trial Conferences, Pre-Trial Negotiations, Court Hearings, Trials, and Sentencings.
- Assist with Implementing the Office of Public Defender Procedures Related to Arraignments, Assignment of Attorneys, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (midc) Reporting Needs, and Other Procedures.
- Develops and Maintains Positive Professional Relationships with Involved Courts, Court Staff, and Jail Personnel.
- Represents Indigent Clients in A Variety of Felony Cases, Including a Required Volume of Capital Cases, from Beginning Stages Through Trial and Sentencing or Dismissal.
- Conducts Capital, Other Felony, and Misdemeanor Trials. Determines Case Strategy, Develops Theory of Defense, Determines Proper Investigation, Prepares and Files Legal Appropriate Pleadings/motions/briefs, Prepares and Files Appropriate Interlocutory Appeals, Prepares and Files Other Legal Documents.
- Collaborates with A Trial Team, While Exercising Considerable Independent Judgement.
- Researches Legal Issues and Advises Office of New Legal Issues and Procedures.
- Assists with Development and Implementation of Legal Intern Program.
- Ensures Compliance of Office Policies when Engaging with Media, Unusual And/or Complicated Cases.
- Completes And/or Assists with Staff Attorney Case Reviews and Performance Reviews.
- Supervises and Directs the Activities of Assigned Staff.
- Maintains Continuing Legal Education and Training Requirements for Attorneys Taking Assigned Criminal Defense Cases, and Completes Additional Attorney Training as Directed.
- Operates an Automobile to Perform Assigned Job Functions.
- Performs Related Duties as Assigned.
Qualifications:
Required Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctorate from An Accredited College or University
- Five Years of Experience in The Practice of Criminal And/or Civil Law
- Qualified as A Class A, B, and C Attorney with The Macomb County System of Indigent Defense or Eligible to Be Qualified
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Experience Working Within a Public Defender or Other Attorney's Office Where Criminal Defense Cases Are Managed
- Experience Working on Projects Designed to Increase Efficiency in The Office (such as Information Technology, Development of Training), and Experience with Procedures for Obtaining Experts/investigators
- Experience with Working Collaboratively on Criminal Defense Cases
- Supervisory Experience
Required Licenses or Certifications:
- Current Membership in The State Bar of Michigan
- Possession of A Valid Michigan Driver's License Operable Automobile and Insurance
- Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties
Knowledge Of:
- Criminal and Civil Law
- Criminal Code
- Rules of Procedure and Rules of Evidence
- Legal Terminology and Court Procedures
- Modern Office Procedures, Methods and Computer Equipment
- Familiarity with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (midc) Standards and Systems of Indigent Criminal Defense.
Skill In:
Organization:
- Management Techniques
- Interviewing Techniques
- Identifying Issues in Criminal Defense Cases
- Interpersonal Skills Necessary to Develop and Maintain Effective and Appropriate Working Relationships
- Performing a Variety of Duties, Often Changing from One Task to Another of A Different Nature
- Directing the Work of Others
- Project Management
Ability To:
- Perform Legal Research
- Accurately Argue Both Orally and In Writing
- Meet Schedules and Deadlines of The Work
- Understand and Carry out Oral and Written Directions
- Accurately Organize and Maintain Paper Documents and Electronic Files
- Maintain the Confidentiality of Information and Professional Boundaries
- Work in An Environment Which Embraces the County's Dignity Campaign
- Effectively Speak, Write and Understand the English Language
- Understand and Carry out Oral And/or Written Instructions
- Accurately Organize and Maintain Paper Documents and Electronic Files
- Work Independently
