What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Defender Trainee position at Oakland County, Michigan Government?
Overview & Benefits
Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
General Summary
$40,648 - $54,462
This position is on-site
Performs a variety of beginning level professional legal duties in an inservice- training capacity until
successful completion of the Michigan Bar Examination at which time appointments as an Assistant Public Defender may be considered. Assist attorneys with obtaining discovery on new criminal cases, meeting with clients, researching relevant legal issues for pretrial motions and working with investigators and social workers to present a defense. Prepares and presents routine cases in District Court under supervision and in accordance with court rules. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
Minimum Qualifications
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Interviews clients and obtains relevant information that could help in mitigation and representation.
Legal research on topics that arise within assigned cases and preparation of motions based on those legal issues.
Working on a criminal case ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies from the inception at appointment following arrest until the client either proceeds to trial or is sentenced.
Prepares and presents routine cases in District Court, pursuant to Court Rule 92l, ensuring cases are thoroughly prepared, are in compliance with departmental policy and meet legal requirements.
Conducts legal research and prepares written memoranda and briefs for use in the development of case material for use in court presentation.
Assists Public Defender staff in gathering evidence, interviewing appropriate parties, performing legal research and compiling pertinent material in the development of a case.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
Essential Mental & Physical Requirements
A high level of communication skills to accurately convey information.
WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical office environment. May encounter situations where people could become confrontational.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Under the Merit System Resolution, Section II, adopted November 8, 1966, employees in this class are excluded from the Merit System for the purpose of the manner of selection, appointment, removal from office or limitation of political activity.
This classification is not exempted from having to comply with the provisions of Merit System Rule 16 (Pre-employment Screening) detailing the required fingerprinting, furnishing of education and employment references, and the employment medical examination prior to the effective date of appointment.
NOTE: The Desirable Qualifications for this classification, when provided to the Human Resources Department, will be stated on a separate page. These Desirable Qualifications are not to be considered as definitive but are subject to revision by the Oakland County Public Defender.
Union*
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.
Inclusion Statement
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.
Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
General Summary
$40,648 - $54,462
This position is on-site
Performs a variety of beginning level professional legal duties in an inservice- training capacity until
successful completion of the Michigan Bar Examination at which time appointments as an Assistant Public Defender may be considered. Assist attorneys with obtaining discovery on new criminal cases, meeting with clients, researching relevant legal issues for pretrial motions and working with investigators and social workers to present a defense. Prepares and presents routine cases in District Court under supervision and in accordance with court rules. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
Minimum Qualifications
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess a Juris Doctorate Degree and awaiting admission into the Michigan Bar.
Interviews clients and obtains relevant information that could help in mitigation and representation.
Legal research on topics that arise within assigned cases and preparation of motions based on those legal issues.
Working on a criminal case ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies from the inception at appointment following arrest until the client either proceeds to trial or is sentenced.
Prepares and presents routine cases in District Court, pursuant to Court Rule 92l, ensuring cases are thoroughly prepared, are in compliance with departmental policy and meet legal requirements.
Conducts legal research and prepares written memoranda and briefs for use in the development of case material for use in court presentation.
Assists Public Defender staff in gathering evidence, interviewing appropriate parties, performing legal research and compiling pertinent material in the development of a case.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
Essential Mental & Physical Requirements
A high level of communication skills to accurately convey information.
WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical office environment. May encounter situations where people could become confrontational.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Under the Merit System Resolution, Section II, adopted November 8, 1966, employees in this class are excluded from the Merit System for the purpose of the manner of selection, appointment, removal from office or limitation of political activity.
This classification is not exempted from having to comply with the provisions of Merit System Rule 16 (Pre-employment Screening) detailing the required fingerprinting, furnishing of education and employment references, and the employment medical examination prior to the effective date of appointment.
NOTE: The Desirable Qualifications for this classification, when provided to the Human Resources Department, will be stated on a separate page. These Desirable Qualifications are not to be considered as definitive but are subject to revision by the Oakland County Public Defender.
Union*
- If applicable
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.
Inclusion Statement
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.
Salary : $40,648 - $54,462