Public Defender

General Statement of Duties:
To develop, implement, and maintain an office to provide indigent defendants in Lenawee County with capable and effective legal counsel guaranteed by law.  The Public Defender hires and supervises the attorneys and support staff for the office.  The Public Defender also develops the office policies and procedures.

Supervision Received:  Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Administrator.

Supervision Exercised:  Supervision exercised over public defender employees, and contractual representatives that may perform work for the office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  An employee in this class may be called upon to do any or all of the following: These examples do not include all of the tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.         

• Administer the staff and resources of the public defender’s office to serve the needs of Lenawee County.
• Develop plans and procedures for the proper function of public defender operations.
• Develop and implement an effective program for the recruitment, training, utilization and supervision of highly qualified volunteers to augment the staff of attorneys as assistant public defenders.
• Maintain records and reports for the departmental functions and track budget performance.
• Prepare the annual departmental operations budget and track budget performance. 
• Appy for and administer federal, state and local grants as they become available, and keep records for proper reporting and audit compliance for grants received.
• Ensure the competence and effectiveness of professional staff by developing and implementing a course of continuing education.
• Ensure consistent legal counsel for indigent defendants by coordinating the efforts of professional staff and conducting periodic case reviews to ensure proper procedures and policies are followed.
• Stay updated on legal precedents and relevant legislation by reading professional journals and court rulings, conferring with legislators, attending meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Prepare presentations to the Board of Commissioners and the general public as are necessary to represent the public defender’s office and explain the function and foundation of the office.
• Approve pre-trial investigations, motions, polygraph examinations, and expert witnesses while directing the defense of all criminal cases, particularly those that are the most complex or sensitive, to include appearance in court to substitute personally as needed.
• Interact with law enforcement agencies, courts, private attorneys, and social service agencies to ensure thorough and complete criminal investigations.
• Initiate and/or collaborate on programs designed to reduce recidivism and incarceration rates, such as re-education and diversion programs.
• Review charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery provided by the prosecution.
• Meet with clients to learn their representation goals and special needs.
• Determine further investigation to undertake per case, and direct that investigation, including the identification, consultation, and hiring of appliable experts as approved by the public defender.
• Negotiate with the prosecution and promptly advise the client of the status of those negotiations.
• Litigate legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
• Conduct post-trial litigation if necessary, such as sentencing and post-trial motions (excluding appeals).
• Maintain availability for consultation and education to other staff members, participate in training programs, and maintain current knowledge of appropriate support functions.
• Perform on-call attorney functions as assigned.
• Perform related work as required.

Desirable Education, Experience and/or Qualifications:  An employee in this class, upon appointment should have the equivalent of the following training, qualifications and/or experience.

• Possess an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor degree with a certificate of admission to the State Bar of Michigan and authority to practice law throughout the State of Michigan.
• Have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the practice of criminal defense law.
• Have at least five (5) years of progressively more responsible experience in the administration of legal services.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience may be substituted for the required ten (10) years of criminal defense experience.
• Admittance to practice in federal courts is desirable.
• Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s license.
• Computer skills are necessary to effectively utilize word processing, spreadsheet and accounting software systems and the ability to be trained on a specific software program. 
• Ability to handle stress.
• Ability to proofread and write reports.
• Ability to analyze data, use sound judgment, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to travel out of the county to seminars, training, and meetings.
• Ability to work at any time of the day and any day of the week for extended periods of time.
• Ability to function with people from all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to pass a background check and consent to fingerprinting as required by MCL 15.651-15.654.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities:

• Work is primarily indoors and requires sitting for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to hear and speak over the phone and in one-on-one communication needs.
• Must be able to see, hear and speak effectively and without limitations.
• Must be able to recognize and address the needs of others.
• Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.