Staff Attorney II

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Staff Attorney II

SALARY:

$90,972.44 - $117,665.26

DEPARTMENT:

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date:

11/01/2024

Closing Date:

11/19/2024 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under direction, this position will have a focus on managing the compliance for MIDC (Michigan Indigent Defense Commission) standards. It involves direct contact with assigned counsel system managers, courts, court personnel, the grant management team, and roster attorneys. The position has responsibilities associated with grant funding, grant management, and grant reporting. 

This position may also maintain a caseload of high and low severity felony and misdemeanor cases. Meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent and partially indigent adult criminal offenders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represents clients in felony and misdemeanor cases from beginning stages through trial.

Conducts pre-trials, reviews evidence, negotiates settlements, conducts investigations, meets with experts, conducts preliminary examinations, conducts jury trials, and prepares interlocutory appeals.

Prepares court documents and related case documents including motions, briefs, sentencing memoranda, deviation requests, witness lists, notices, jury instructions, interlocutory appeals, motions in limine, power point presentations, and other trial related matters, in connection with representation of clients in indigent criminal cases. 

Conducts electronic legal research.

Communicates with clients, prosecutors, investigators, experts, community corrections, judges, and others in connection with the representation of indigent clients in criminal cases.

Analyzes and organizes case issues and case files.

Adept at organization of case files, tracking of time on case activities, and recording activities in case management system.

Ensures compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Counsel (MIDC) requirements, including, gathering information for MIDC reports, budgets, reviewing applications for investigators and experts, and management of attorney roster.

Participates in required Continued Legal Education training. 

Assists with training of other attorneys and staff.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Perform duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university

• Three (3) years of experience in the practice of criminal law

• Qualified as a class B, and C attorney with the Macomb County System of Indigent Defense or eligible to be qualified

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience working within a public defender’s office

• Experience working in a multiple attorney law firm

Required Licenses or Certifications

• A current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license, operable automobile, and insurance

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Criminal law and statues

• Criminal code

• Rules of procedure and Michigan Rules of Evidence

• Legal terminology and local court procedures

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

• Electronic conferencing

• Microsoft Office

Skill in:

• Organization

• Effective communications in court proceedings

• Interviewing techniques

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

Ability to:

• Collaborate on case strategy

• Competently conduct felony jury trials

• Perform legal research, including electronic research

• Accurately argue both orally and in writing

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions

• Conduct virtual meetings with courts and others

• Keep up with technological advancements that enhance trial practice

• Effectively use technology for discovery, motion practice, and w