Public Defender - Kent County, Michigan

Public Defender
Kent County is excited to announce the Office of the Public Defender. This new County department will expand and enhance the criminal defense system presently offered to indigent defendants in Kent County.
Kent County is actively seeking a dedicated and passionate Public Defender to serve as Department Director for the office and the attorney of record for indigent adults facing criminal charges within the County. This pivotal role involves the development, implementation, oversight, and direction of the Public Defender’s Office and the indigent defense private counsel roster. The right person for this role is a change agent who is highly adept at building relationships based on trust; and is a passionate advocate for the disadvantaged, ensuring that indigent defendants receive high quality legal representation. Following are a few of the responsibilities associated with this position:

Strategic Leadership:
• Develops and maintains long and short-term goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
• Directs programs to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
• Responsible for a $25 million budget supported by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
Compliance and Management:
• Adheres to guidelines outlined in the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) grant manual and related guidance.
• Ensures policies and procedures align with relevant state, local, and federal requirements.
• Oversees administrative activities, including grant application, reporting, conflict checks, case appointments, and reviews of roster attorney invoices.
Legal Expertise:
• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates legal issues on behalf of the department.
• Provides written and/or oral opinions and advice as appropriate.
• Represents clients.
Team Supervision:
• Manages a team of attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, legal assistants, and other support staff.
Case Oversight:
• Approves and supervises pre-trial investigations, motion practice, transcript requests, funding requests, polygraph examinations, and the use of expert witnesses.
• Directs the defense of all criminal cases assigned to the Office of the Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Juris Doctor from an ABA Accredited institution.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in criminal law practice, with a demonstrated professional history of progressively more responsible experience in the administrative supervision of legal services.
• Experience providing exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants.
• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity, and social justice.
• Bilingual ability preferred.
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 start date.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License.

If you’re committed to justice and ready to make a difference, consider applying for this impactful role in Kent County.