PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY - PUBLIC DEFENDER (Non-Merit)
Overview & Benefits:
Oakland County is a progressive place to work, where innovation and ambition are rewarded. We understand the many challenges facing today's professionals and families so we offer competitive wages and salaries, and a full benefits package with which you'd be quite impressed!
For full-time employees our benefits information can be found here.
Announcement Information:
Please submit resumes to: publicdefender@oakgov.com
General Summary:
Demonstrates a high level of expertise within a specialized, complex area within the Public Defender's Office to effectively represent Indigent clients. A principal attorney will be assigned to handle the most serious cases within the Public Defender's Office, and will evaluate evidence, interview necessary parties, research and write any necessary court filings, and present case materials in District, Circuit, and occasionally Appellate courts.Ensures that case material is thorough, accurate and complete. Renders expert legal advice to other attorneys within the Public Defender's Office. Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Be licensed to practice law and maintain membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
Special Requirements:
- Significant knowledge of Michigan criminal law and procedure.
- Have dedicated a significant portion of the candidate’s legal practice to criminal law (either prosecution or defense) for at least five (5) years.
- The ability to produce a list of all criminal trials conducted by the candidate, including the nature of the charge(s) and whether the candidate represented an indigent criminal defendant, a retained criminal defendant, or the People of the State of Michigan during the trial.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise the appropriate techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the phone.
Pay Range: USD $111,655.00 - USD $149,596.00 /Yr.
EEO Statement:
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.