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

    • MAACS Administrator - SADO

      SADO is accepting applications for the Administrator of the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), one of the pioneering managed assigned counsel public defender systems in the nation.

      MAACS attorneys represent indigent individuals appealing criminal convictions and delinquency adjudications from all 83 counties in Michigan. More than 120 attorneys on the roster represent individuals in appeals from pleas, resentencings, and trials, and in post- conviction and post-adjudication proceedings. Representation takes place in circuit courts, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court.

      See 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.

    • 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

    • Assistant Public Defender - Chippewa County

      Chippewa County is seeking a full-time Assistant 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.

      See 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 - Ionia County

      Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, the Assistant Public Defender is responsible for assisting in the implementation, oversight and direction of the Public Defender Office. Also responsible for ensuring Ionia County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to indigent adult criminal offenders charged with felonies and misdemeanors.

      Requirements: Juris Doctor Degree with a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan as evidence of continued good professional standing and authority to practice law throughout the state. Preference for prior criminal law experience, and trial experience involving felonies and misdemeanors. A valid vehicle operator’s license; regular, reliable and predictable attendance; comfortable with the daily use of technology; ability to perform without additional clerical support, if necessary.  Must maintain State Bar of Michigan Certificate of Admittance throughout employment with the county.

      Annual wage range for attorney licensed for less than four years is $73,712.34 – $90,260.82, and for attorney with more than four years is $81,688.23 – $99,489.78, plus complete county employee fringe benefit package. To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to Walter J. Downes, Chief Public Defender, 101 West Main, Ionia, MI 48846

    • 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.

    • 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 Public Defender - Marquette County

      Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, the Assistant Public Defender is a trial lawyer position who 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 online 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.

      Find opportunities in Marquette 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.

      Assistant Public Defender I

      Assistant Public Defender II

    • 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.

    • Social Worker - Northeast Michigan Regional Defender

      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.

      General Summary:
      Under the direct supervision of the Lead Social Worker, the Social Worker plays an integral role in providing holistic defense services throughout the duration of the attorney/client relationship. As part of the defense team, the Social Worker will focus on addressing clients’ risks and needs, collaborating with defense attorneys, building relationships within the community, and assisting with sentence mitigation. This position covers Oscoda and Montmorency Counties; and may assist in Alpena County from time to time, as needed.

      SW Job Description

    • 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.

    HOLISTIC DEFENSE FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION – SUMMER 2024

    The Holistic Defense Fellowship offers the opportunity for a select group of law and social work students to spend a summer working at a public defense organization in Michigan engaged in the practice of holistic defense. Holistic defense is a multifaceted approach to legal representation that recognizes the many social and legal challenges that can drive an individual into the criminal legal system and the collateral or enmeshed consequences that may result from an individual’s contact with the system. These potential consequences include effects on a person’s immigration status, housing and employment opportunities, access to public benefits, voting rights and the custody of children. Holistic defense seeks to serve a client’s myriad legal and social needs in addition to defending against the imposition of traditional criminal penalties. While models of holistic defense vary, at its core, the practice involves an interdisciplinary collaboration between various professionals, such as criminal, civil, immigration and family defense attorneys, social workers and other types of advocates. Students must apply to the program using this application form. Please read this application in its entirety and follow the instructions to complete the application.

    Flyer

    Michigan Holistic Defense Fellowship Application (Word version)

    All positions available

    The Calhoun County Public Defender offers internship opportunities for undergraduate and law students.

    Find out more here.

    Kalamazoo Defender is the County’s first public defender office. On July 1, 2019, we began accepting all adult criminal defendants within Kalamazoo County determined by the judiciary to be unable to afford legal representation.

    Kalamazoo Defender was chosen for this role after Kalamazoo County government boldly decided to award a contract to a non-profit that would have independence from the County and the courts. The County selected Kalamazoo Defender as the provider of indigent defense services in October of 2018, and following discussions on how the relationship would operate, a contract was signed in January of 2019.

    KDI is accepting Summer Law Student Interns.  Contact the office for more information.

    https://www.kalamazoodefender.org/contact

    KCOD offers an immersive internship experience for current law students. Tasks include: legal research, interviewing witnesses, summarizing police reports and evidence, assisting attorneys with case preparation and defense strategy, as well as on the record appearances in District and Circuit Courts.

    Find out more on their website.

    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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