Chief Public Defender

Required: Juris Doctor degree and license with the State Bar of Michigan as evidence of continued good professional standing and authority to practice law through the state. Bachelor's degree in business management or a related field is preferred. A minimum of five years of experience in the practice of criminal defense or the equivalent, including a minimum of three years of progressively more responsible experience in the administration of legal services.

Special Requirements: A valid driver's license; regular, reliable and predictable attendance; ability to perform without additional clerical support; a criminal and/or a financial background check may be required; must maintain State Bar of Michigan license throughout employment with the county at the county's expense; may not practice law in the State of Michigan for any other client except the Alger County Public Defender’s Office; must not serve as an advisor or consultant on legal matters to any other entity, public or private, or be a party to any other indigent defense contract.

Duties:

Under the general supervision of the Alger County Board of Commissioners, the Chief Public Defender manages the Public Defender Office, tracks data for reports, reviews invoices to comply with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission requirements, and manages assignment of cases to conflict attorneys while maintaining a full caseload. It is the Chief Public Defender’s purpose to ensure that the county justice system meets all constitutional and legislative requirements for adult defendants.

Department Leadership & Operations:

·        Manage the public defender office. Oversee an active legal office, comply with all financial and contractual requirements of the office.

·        Hire and supervise staff. Direct the daily activities of all office personnel.

·        Administration. Handle internal caseload management and day-to-day administrative functions and manage case assignments to outside counsel.

·        Control the budget. Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget to use county resources and grant funding efficiently.

Compliance & Quality Control:

·        Meet MIDC standards. Implement policies to comply with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

·        Monitor attorney performance. Attend court proceedings to evaluate the quality of representation. Maintain records and evaluations and provide resources to outside counsel for indigent cases.

·        Track professional development. Monitor assigned attorneys' participation in Continuing Legal Education (CLE).

·        Verify malpractice insurance. Ensure all contract attorneys maintain adequate liability insurance.

Client Representation & Case Advocacy:

·        Defend clients. Ensure high-quality representation for adults charged with misdemeanors and low-severity felonies, high-severity felonies, and life offense cases.

·        Provide continuous counsel. Guarantee clients receive uninterrupted representation from arraignment through trial and/or sentencing. Cases may require interlocutory appeals in both the district and circuit courts.

Professional Engagement:

·        Collaborate with county leadership. Work closely with the Alger County Board of Commissioners.

·        Maintain active engagement. Attend required professional meetings, conferences, and CLE training events.

·        Fulfill flexible demands. Perform other duties as assigned.