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

  • Regional Manager: Western Michigan

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 8, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.

    Apply online by clicking here.

    Regional Manager: Western Michigan 

    This position will cover the counties of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.

    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:

    April 8, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.

    Apply online by clicking here.

    [link to Michigan NEOGOV website]

    AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

  • Administrative Assistant (Senior Executive Management Assistant 11)

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 29, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.

    Apply online by clicking here.

    Administrative Assistant

    Summary

    This position provides secretarial and executive support to assist the Executive Director, Deputy Director and staff of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. This position provides technical assistance and guidance to office staff and to members of the Commission. The position serves as a management assistant and handles sensitive information and must maintain a high degree of confidentiality especially when working with sensitive issues.

    Education and Experience

    Education
    Education typically acquired through completion of high school.

    Experience
    Six years of administrative support experience where use of a personal computer to prepare correspondence, reports, charts, etc., or to enter/retrieve/update information is an essential part of the work, including three years equivalent to an advanced, 8-level, administrative support worker, Secretary E8, or Legal Secretary E8; two years equivalent to a Secretary 9, Legal Secretary 9, or Senior Executive Management Assistant 9; or, one year equivalent to the Division Head Legal Secretary 10 or Executive Secretary E10.

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

    February 29, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.

    Apply online by clicking here.

    [link to Michigan NEOGOV website]

    AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

  • Public Defender Director - Muskegon County

    The Public Defender is appointed by the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and is under the direction of the County Administrator.  The Public Defender, serves as the responsible attorney of record for all indigent or partially indigent adult criminal, juvenile delinquent, neglect and abuse, involuntary institutionalization (probate) and select civil cases. The Public Defender Director’s mission is to provide competent, constitutionally mandated legal representations, where the State threatens significant liberty interests.

    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 Appellate Defender: State Appellate Defender Office

    Join Michigan’s State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) as an Assistant Appellate Defender working statewide to represent people as they appeal their felony convictions. We focus on our clients as people and actively work to challenge injustices and disparities in the criminal legal system based on race, class, ability, behavioral health, and other identifying characteristics and statuses. The position pays from $64,728 to $131,397, depending on experience. Our office follows a hybrid workplace model that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to staff.
    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.

  • Legal Specialist - Allegan and Van Buren Regional Defender Office

    Provide litigation and administrative support for the legal staff of the Public Defender Office and Director. Activities include preparing and processing legal documents, files and correspondence, maintaining case files and providing general legal administrative support. This position could work at both Van Buren County and Allegan County worksites.

    Read the full posting here.

  • Managed Assigned Counsel Administrator - Cheboygan County

    Under Direction of the County Administrator, the Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) is a Department Head Level position, responsible for the development, implementation, oversight, and direction of the MIDC Cheboygan Office and the indigent defense (ID) contract system. The MAC shall participate in the process of staffing, creation and supervision of all attorney contracts and/or attorney rosters within the contract system. Ensures that Cheboygan County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent clients and provides a high level of ID services. The MAC supervises and directs all ID staff; monitors all ID contracts and attorney rosters for compliance; develops and implements policies and procedures for all three facets of ID; directs and/or performs the department’s administrative functions; and prepares the department’s annual budget.

    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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Phone: (517) 657-3066

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4th Floor
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Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment Only

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