Legal Research and Writing Attorney

at  County of Kent

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Possession of an undergraduate degree plus a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law degree from an ABA accredited institution.
• Recent law graduates with at least two years of relevant work experience and outstanding academic record and writing ability or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience litigating cases, with felony criminal trial and/or appellate experience preferred.
• Commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity, social justice.
  Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and eligible to practice before Michigan and Federal Courts, and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within six months of hire. Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s License.
  Kent County offers job security, competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth.

Kent County is excited to announce the Office of the Public Defender. This new department will expand and enhance the criminal defense system presently offered to indigent defendants in Kent County.
At this time, we are seeking to hire Legal Research and Writing Attorneys to provide advanced legal research and writing support within the Office of the Public Defender. In this position, the employee is expected to stay abreast of the latest developments in the law; conduct legal research; draft pretrial motions and memoranda; and assist trial attorneys during motions, hearings, and trials. This position will occasionally have direct interaction with clients. Work is performed under general supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Summarizes and disseminates information to the Office related to statutory updates and changing case law.
• In collaboration with fellow Assistant Public Defenders, drafts motions, briefs, and legal memoranda, and provides legal research support on assigned cases.
• Analyzes legal issues from complex records; performs legal research in trial environments.
• Utilizes and updates any case management system(s) used by the Office to reflect status and activities for all assigned cases. Maintains accurate, complete and well-organized electronic case files.