Careers in Michigan Public Defense

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Overview

Michigan is an exciting place for a career in public service.  We are proud to serve as a national leader in criminal legal system reform, investing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to ensure that people who are unable to afford counsel and charged with crimes have resources for a fair trial.  Below you will find links to employment opportunities with our office and with local funding units.  The MIDC is happy to provide external links as a courtesy but we are not responsible for the content, application, or hiring process offered by our partners.  Please refer to the contact in each post for further information.

If you have an opportunity you would like to post here, please send it to Marla McCowan at McCowanM@michigan.gov.  We will advertise for 30 days unless requested otherwise.

For additional postings, please see the State Bar of Michigan’s website and the Michigan One Court of Justice website.

MIDC Open PositionsPublic Defense PositionsInternship Opportunities

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  • Special Assignment Team

    Bridging the Justice Gap: Connecting Criminal Defense Attorneys with Rural Communities

    Rural areas in Michigan face a critical shortage of criminal defense attorneys, leaving residents without adequate legal aid when they need it most.  Please consider joining a new and unique program that connects experienced criminal defense attorneys from Michigan’s more populous regions with underserved rural communities.

    Read the flyer here.

    Visit www.mispecialassignment.com for more information or contact mike@mispecialassignment.com.

  • Director - Regional MAC Office

    The Director of the Regional Managed Assigned Counsel Office in Dearborn is responsible for the management and supervision of all personnel in the Dearborn Regional MAC Office and responsible for compliance and managing all MIDC grant funds as it relates to MIDC Standard 1 (training), Standard 3 (experts and investigators), and Standard 5 (judicial independence).
    The position description and qualifications can be found here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Van Buren County

    Van Buren County is seeking qualified candidates to serve as an Assistant Public Defender for the Van Buren County Public Defender’s Office. Assistant Public Defenders provide legal representation to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses in Van Buren County District and Circuit Courts. This is an exempt level position with excellent benefits, including health, life, disability, paid time off and holidays. Prior criminal law experience is not required. Recent law school graduates or candidates awaiting MI Bar results are encouraged to apply! For additional information, please visit www.vanburencountymi.gov or contact the Van Buren County Public Defender’s Office via phone at (269) 400-4451 or email at publicdefender@vanburencountymi.gov.

    Read the full post here.

  • Senior Assistant Public Defender - Marquette County

    Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, the Senior Assistant Public Defender serves as attorney for indigent clients throughout Marquette County and as an advocate for indigent defense. The Assistant Public Defender performs legal research using electronic and on line tools, handles cases in District and Circuit Court, and provides representation of individuals on the arraignment docket. This position may handle other cases as directed by the Chief Public Defender. The Assistant Public Defender shall advocate in the best interest for clients while providing quality legal representation for defendants without means to retain legal counsel, after being charged with criminal or civil violations. They shall serve as a case-review team leader and mentor for other Assistant Public Defenders.

    Find opportunities in Marquette here.

  • Investigator - Washtenaw County

    Investigator- Washtenaw County Public Defender

    The Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender is seeking an experienced Investigator. As an investigator, under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Investigator provides investigative services to the County Public Defender’s Office. Cultivates leads and furthers areas of inquiry from available information. May search official and unofficial records, obtain statements, takes photographs, creates drawings, recordings, and models, and assists Assistant Public Defender’s in trial preparation. Here is the direct link for the application Washtenaw County – Job Postings (Washtenaw County – Job Postings (ewashtenaw.org)) and for further information please contact Darren Davis at davisd@washtenaw.org.

  • Investigator - Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office

    The Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office is a non-profit organization providing indigent criminal defense services in Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda Counties. The office envisions a holistic model of representation, integrated with local human service organizations to attend to the whole client, beyond the strict confines of a particular criminal charge.  The investigator is an integral team member, performing investigations and related activities
    to support the representation of our clients. Work includes locating and interviewing witnesses, finding and validating evidence, searching records and databases, assisting with organization of evidence and trial preparation. Must demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to a team-centered approach to the zealous and dignified representation of indigent defendants.

    Read the full position description here.

  • Capital Trial Attorney - Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit

    THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE is building a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County and we invite you to join our team as we represent our clients with excellence. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to the communities of Wayne County. We are seeking a team of highly organized, self-driven, and resilient individuals dedicated to our mission. The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS Detroit will represent residents of Wayne County who are charged with felony crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes.  NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients while treating each client with dignity and respect.

    The Capital Trial Staff Attorney demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities and an enthusiasm for holistic defense. The ideal Staff Attorney is an experienced felony trial attorney who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, preferably with experience in a public defender office, in a public interest organization, or in the indigent criminal defense context. The Staff Attorney will help shape our present and future—contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our ideal Staff Attorney approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

    See the full post here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Barry County

    Barry County is seeking a qualified, entry-level attorney to provide support for the Barry County Public Defender Office.  The APD will be responsible for an Indigent Defense caseload.  The APD will assist with ensuring that Barry County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements pertaining to the representation of indigent adults and provide a high level of ID services.  The starting salary will be $59,317.44.

    For additional information, including a copy of the position description, please visit www.barrycounty.org or contact the Barry County Public Defender’s Office, 206 W. Court Street, Suite 001, Hastings, Michigan 49058, or by telephone at (269)818-0379.

    Read the full post here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Berrien County

    Established in 2017, the Berrien County Public Defender Office is staffed by a team of full time defenders with a roster of independent conflict panel defense attorneys committed to the Standards for Indigent Defense as provided by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. The Office’s interdisciplinary team of professionals adheres to the holistic defense model, providing not only the highest quality representation for clients as they face criminal charges, but also seeking to obtain the best possible outcomes for clients by providing social support and connecting clients with local social support services.

    Information about available positions here:

    Assistant Defender I

    Assistant Defender II

    Assistant Defender III

  • Deputy Public Defender - Chippewa County

    Chippewa County is seeking a full-time Deputy Public Defender who will, under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, provide legal representation to indigent Chippewa County persons charged with a criminal offense in District Court, Circuit Court, and Friend of the Court collection matters.

    Read the full post here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Eaton County

    Under the supervision of the Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender, provides legal representation for defendants without means to retain legal counsel, after being charged in the District and Circuit courts.

    Read the full post here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Ingham County

    Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, serves as attorney for indigent clients throughout the courts in Ingham County.   Performs legal research using electronic and on line tools.  Represents clients as assigned.  Advocates in the best interest for clients.

    See the full post here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Jackson County

    Serve as the attorney of record of indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Jackson County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements. Easily apply by entering your personal contact information into our job application and uploading your cover letter and resume. Criminal law, jury trial, and high-severity felony case experience preferred but not required. Will consider candidates with a Juris Doctorate and the ability to obtain their State Bar License within 12 months.

    Check out all of the opportunities available in Jackson County here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Kalamazoo Defender

    Kalamazoo Defender is a non-profit organization that serves as Kalamazoo County’s public defender office.  Our approach is holistic, employing social workers and coordinating service providers to address clients’ collateral issues. Kalamazoo Defender’s mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system.  We are their zealous advocate in court and in the community, representing them as a whole person entitled to dignity, respect and compassion. This position will be filled with an attorney ready to confront both the challenges facing our clients in a specific case and the systemic barriers within the criminal system that interfere with reaching the best outcomes for society.

    Read about opportunities in Kalamazoo here.

  • Assistant Defenders - Kent County

    Kent County is excited to announce the Office of the Public Defender.

    This new department will expand and enhance the criminal defense system presently offered to indigent defendants in Kent County. At this time we are seeking to hire Assistant Public Defenders who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to the passionate and dignified representation of indigent defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Individuals in these positions evaluate evidence, interview necessary parties, research and write any necessary court filings, and present case materials in court. Work is performed under general supervision in this team-oriented office.

    Read more about the positions and apply here.

  • Associate Defender - Manistee Regional Public Defender Office

    Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Public Defender, serves as the attorney of record for indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Manistee and Benzie Counties meet all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult defendants.

    Read the full post here.

  • Assistant Defender - Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office

    The Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of representing indigent adults charged with crimes within Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda Counties. The office practices a holistic model of representation, integrated with local human service organizations to attend to the whole client, beyond the strict confines of a particular criminal charge.

    See the positions available here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - St. Clair County

    The St. Clair County Office of the Public Defender is seeking an attorney, including law school graduates who are currently studying for or have taken the bar exam. Our office provides indigent defense services for clients in St. Clair County. This is a criminal defense position, with some flexibility for remote work.

    Read the full post here.

  • Assistant Public Defender - Washtenaw County

    The Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender is seeking an experienced trial lawyer to fill the role of Assistant Public Defender. As an assistant trial lawyer to the county Chief Public Defender, under either general or direct supervision of supervisory staff, this position serves as an integral part of a legal defense team. This position provides legal representation on behalf of all defendants, including juveniles, charged with criminal or civil violations who are assessed by the courts as being without sufficient resources to retain legal counsel.

    Check out more opportunities available in Washtenaw County Washtenaw County – Job Postings (ewashtenaw.org) and here is the direct link for the application Washtenaw County – Online Application for Employment (ewashtenaw.org)

  • Investigator - Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit

    THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE is building a community‐based, client‐centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County and we invite you to join our team as we represent our clients with excellence. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to the communities of Wayne County. We are seeking a team of highly organized, self‐driven, and resilient individuals dedicated to our mission. The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS Detroit will represent residents of Wayne County who are charged with felony crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. NDS adheres to a client‐centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients while treating each client with dignity and respect.

    The Investigator is an integral part of the defense team who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities. The Investigator will help shape our present and future—contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our ideal Investigator approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

    See the full post here.

  • Staff Attorney - Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit

    THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE is building a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County and we invite you to join our team as we represent our clients with excellence. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to the communities of Wayne County. We are seeking a team of highly organized, self-driven, and resilient individuals dedicated to our mission. The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS Detroit will represent residents of Wayne County who are charged with felony crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes.  NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients while treating each client with dignity and respect.

    The Staff Attorney demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities and an enthusiasm for holistic defense. The ideal Staff Attorney is an experienced felony trial attorney who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, preferably with experience in a public defender office, in a public interest organization, or in the indigent criminal defense context. The Staff Attorney will help shape our present and future—contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our ideal Staff Attorney approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

    See the full post here.

The Michigan Holistic Defense Fellowship is recruiting six law fellows for placement at Allegan, Calhoun, Genesee, Macomb, Marquette, and Wexford-Missaukee Counties for Summer 2025. The Fellowship is designed to strengthen the practice of Michigan’s public defense system by exposing law and social work fellows to holistic representation in order to teach the skills necessary to become effective holistic practitioners. Law students of all levels are encouraged to apply.
Please direct questions to Fellowship Director Cassidy Berlin at cberlin@mqtco.org.

The Saginaw Defenders Office has an internship program for college students, law schools students, and recent law school graduates.  The Internship Programs is very much a hands-on experience.

Please check the Defender Office’s website for details.

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Email us anytime at:
lara-midc-Info@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 657-3066

611 W. Ottawa Street,
4th Floor
Lansing, MI 48933

Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment Only

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