Assistant Public Defender - Berrien County : Job Details

Company Description

Berrien County, located in the heart of Michigan's Great Southwest, offers a vibrant market for business, industry, and tourism. With its scenic natural beauty, including 42 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan, Berrien County is a prime destination for tourists, artists, and naturalists. The county's strategic location provides excellent transportation options, including major interstate highways, airports, rail transportation, and shipping. Berrien County comprises 22 townships, 8 cities, and 9 villages, offering a diverse and welcoming community.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for an Assistant Public Defender, located in St Joseph, MI or Niles, MI. The Assistant Public Defender will be responsible:

• Attends legal and community meetings.
• Reviews charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery provided by the prosecution.
• Promptly meets with clients to learn the client's goals for the representation and any special needs of the client.
• Determines what further fact investigation to undertake and directs that investigation.
• Determines what legal issues need development and researches those issues.
• Negotiates with the prosecution and promptly advises the client of the status of those negotiations.
• Litigates any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
• Performs duty-attorney functions as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent analytical, research, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the Michigan State Bar
• Experience in public defense or related legal practice is preferred