Job Summary

The Deputy Chief Public Defender – Administration plays a critical role in the administrative and managerial aspects of the Public Defender’s office. The successful candidate must have a passion for leadership of people and teams with demonstrated personal integrity. In addition, they must have excellent working knowledge of new laws, precedents and court procedures.

Responsibilities

• People Management: Manages mitigation, investigative and administrative teams. Identifies goals and objectives for subordinate staff, fostering their professional and personal growth. Responsibility for hiring, training, work assignments, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action for subordinate staff.
• Growth and Development: Assists with development and implementation of long and short-term goals and objectives. Assists in the development of and supports the administration of County and Department policies and procedures.
• Finance: Supports grant application and administration. Creates and monitors department budget. Reviews and approves invoices related to legal counsel, experts, and investigators. Collaborate with trial division staff to create annual compliance plans and cost analyses.
• Systems oversight: Administers the case management system used by the Office and roster attorneys. Manages an appointment system for the outside attorney roster. Assists with public records/records retention issues, FOIA requests, and subpoena processing.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• Recent graduates who have taken the Michigan Bar Exam with high expectations of passing may also apply.
• A minimum of 10 years in the practice of criminal law and 5 years of supervision.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience providing exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants.
• The ability to develop and maintain a close working relationship with the MIDC Regional and Lansing staff is essential.
• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice, and Branch County communities.
• Professionalism is an absolute necessity, along with the ability to appropriately handle both confidential information and sensitive situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to work with a diverse group of county personnel and citizens.
• The ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, including reading and interpreting documents, prepare reports and correspondence, and to present information and respond to questions.
• Reasoning skills needed to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Mental ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions.
• Frequent pressures related to deadlines and fulfilling scheduling requirements.
• Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize word processing, databases, spreadsheet and presentation software applications for the creation and compilation of various documents, communications and reports.
• Ability to use the Internet and e-mail.

Licenses and Certifications

• Eligible to practice before all Michigan and Federal Courts, and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within 12 months of hire date.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.