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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  • Regional Manager - Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland. St. Clair Counties

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 17, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

    Apply online by clicking here.

    Regional Manager: Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair Counties 

    Summary

    The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) is seeking a Regional Manager to facilitate the creation of superior systems for representation of indigent clients charged with crimes. Regional Managers provide direction and guidance to indigent defense delivery systems around the state on compliance with MIDC-enacted standards. They serve as the liaisons between local systems and the MIDC.

    This challenging and rewarding opportunity will require the skills of a diplomat and knowledge of indigent defense systems and models. Regional Managers must have a thorough working knowledge of the MIDC Act and a wide variety of models of indigent defense delivered locally in Michigan and nationwide. Successful candidates will work with criminal justice stakeholders to design the most appropriate plans for meeting minimum standards for indigent defense in a particular county or system.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    • Meet with partners in the local indigent defense delivery system(s) in the designated region including but not limited to county commissioners, administrators, staff, and other local government representatives, and assist with the coordination of compliance plans for MIDC Standards and best practices;
    • Identify and meet with many key members of the local criminal justice systems including court staff, judges, criminal defense attorney practitioners, prosecutors and jail staff, to collaborate on compliance with MIDC standards for best practices in indigent defense representation;
    • Prepare and deliver presentations about the work of the MIDC to all system stakeholders;
    • Offer practical and innovative solutions at the local level for indigent defense reform;
    • Assist on other projects as assigned.

    Education and Experience

    Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law; a minimum of five years of progressively more responsible work experience working in court, public, or business administration, or representing indigent clients is desired.

    Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

    Membership in good standing in the Michigan State Bar.

    Due to significant travel within the region, an individual with a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle is also required.

    Work Location:

    The ideal candidate should be based in a county in the region or have the ability to travel regularly to the locations indicated in the position description.

    Periodic travel to the MIDC Office in Lansing, Michigan is expected.

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

    March 17, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

    Apply online by clicking here.

    [link to Michigan NEOGOV website]

    AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

  • Arraignment Assistant Public Defender (I/II/III) - Washtenaw County

    The Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Immigration Arraignment Assistant Public Defender. Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender and supervisory staff, this position is a key member of a client-centered, holistic defense team providing early-stage legal representation to individuals charged with criminal or civil violations who are determined by the court to be indigent. This role focuses on arraignment advocacy, protecting clients’ constitutional rights, and identifying legal and non-legal needs that may impact case outcomes and long-term stability. In addition to core public defense responsibilities, this position provides Padilla-compliant advisories regarding immigration consequences of criminal charges and supports the Public Defender Office. Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

    For more information, please contact:
    Darren Davis
    (734) 222-6970
    davisd@washtenaw.org

    Apply here: https://secure.ewashtenaw.org/hrjobs/AppViewPosting.do?postingId=16651

  • Roster Attorney - Dickinson County

    Dickinson County, Michigan, is seeking an independent contract criminal defense attorney to provide indigent criminal defense services in high severity and life felony cases and to join its consortium of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission attorneys.

    The assignment attorney must be licensed and in good standing in the State of Michigan with at least 7 years criminal trial experience and experience as lead counsel in at least seven felony trials that have been submitted to a jury. Equivalent experience will be considered. In addition, the attorney must commit to annually completing at least 12 hours of continuing education.

    Compensation will be at an hourly rate consistent with the current Michigan Indigent Defense Commission rates of $130.00 per hour for misdemeanor cases, $142.00 per hour for non-capital felony cases, and $155.00 per hour for capital (life) felony cases. This is an independent contractor position and all attorneys must carry professional liability insurance and either workers compensation insurance or a waiver.

    The Dickinson County Courthouse is located in Iron Mountain, Michigan, near the northern shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys year-round outdoor activities and who wants to a career working independently.

    Interested attorneys should submit their resumes to:

    Cassidy Berlin

    Northern Michigan Public Defender Recruitment and Retention Specialist

    (906) 226 – 4369

    cberlin@mqtco.org

  • 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.

  • Ottawa County - Assistant Defender

    Under the direction of the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors.  Will also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and work in a team oriented office.

    This is a full-time, benefited position. Pending cases are assigned in the Ottawa County Courts with two office locations, one in Holland, MI and one in Grand Haven, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Read more about the position and apply here.

  • Emmet County - Felony Assignment Attorney (contract)

    FELONY ASSIGNMENT ATTORNEY

    Emmet County is seeking an independent contract attorney to provide indigent criminal defense services in high severity and life felony cases and to join its consortium of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission attorneys. In addition to case assignments, the attorney will be required to be on call for one week per month to handle arraignments and last minute Court matters at both the District Court and Circuit Court level.

    The assignment attorney must be licensed and in good standing in the State of Michigan with at least 15 years criminal trial experience and experience as lead counsel in at least seven felony trials that have been submitted to a jury. Equivalent experience will be considered. In addition, the attorney must commit to annually completing at least 12 hours of continuing education.

    Compensation will be at an hourly rate consistent with the current Michigan Indigent Defense Commission rates. This is an independent contractor position and all attorneys must carry professional liability insurance and either workers compensation insurance or a waiver.

    Interested attorneys may submit their current resumes or contact:

    Corinne Galusky

    Emmet County Managed Assigned Counsel

    (231) 642-4693 crg@galuskylaw.com

  • Allegan County - Holistic Defense Technical Assistance Coordinator

    This position establishes and upholds uniform training and technical assistance within the Michigan Indigent Holistic Defense system, to create more impactful Holistic indigent representation of all Michigan Defendants. This position also implements Holistic Defense services in small, or isolated, or Michigan Assigned Counsel (“MAC”) funding units that otherwise would not, receive significant exposure to Holistic Defense practice and benefits. In cooperation with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (“MIDC”) this position will create, manage and provide training for an ongoing and consistent statewide Holistic Defense knowledge base.
    View the listing and apply here.

  • 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.

  • Felony Assignment Attorneys - Jackson County

    The Office of the Jackson County Public Defender is hiring Felony Level Attorneys.

    Information can be found @ https://www.co.jackson.mi.us/436/Job-Openings

    Nationwide militarization of law enforcement and build-up of prosecutorial powers causes fear in people historically marginalized and relegated.

    If people feel afraid, they will never feel free.

    To defend people and their freedoms… to give access to the support necessary to help make people whole again… that’s what we do.

    Our team practices to the fullest extent of trail court litigators, i.e. jury trials, motion practice, and appeals.

    We emphasize a balance of work and life, a positive atmosphere, training opportunities, and competitive pay.

    For more information, please contact

    Kevin Arthur Rogers

    Chief Public Defender

    (517) 416-0755 / krogers@mijackson.org

  • 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 - 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.

  • 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.

  • Staff Attorney - Bay County

    Under the general supervision of the Chief Defense Attorney, serves as the legal representative of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in Bay County. Represents clients accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses. Prepares case materials and participates in all court proceedings until final disposition of case.
    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 - 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.

  • Multiple Positions - 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 - 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.

    Apply here: https://secure.ewashtenaw.org/hrjobs/AppViewPosting.do?postingId=16652

  • 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.

SADO is seeking first- and second-year law students committed to public service, racial equity, and social justice to join its Summer Internship Program.

We are seeking interns for our Direct Appeals Unit and for our Juvenile Lifer Unit. Read more about each internship opportunity here and here.

Applications are due by January 12, 2026, at 5 PM.

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.