Below are a list of positions and a short description as provided by the entity hiring. CDAM is not hiring these positions, simply making information available. All positions will be removed after 60 days. Send job postings to rsain@cdamonline.org or fill in our form. 

Criminal Defense Attorney – Iron Mountain – This is an independent contract criminal defense position that represents individuals charged with criminal offenses in high severity and life felony cases in Dickinson County, located in the western upper peninsula. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 2/5/26 

Assistant Public Defender I – Barry County – Under the supervision of our Chief and Sr. Assistant Public Defenders, our Assistant Public Defender I will primarily be responsible for arraignments and a caseload that would include misdemeanors and if/when qualified, low severity felonies.  Involvement in our Specialty Courts programs will also be expected.  We are looking for an attorney with some experience, but will train a new graduate.  This in-office position is located in Hastings, Michigan and includes County benefits.  The salary range is $65,707.41 - $78,540.38 depending on experience.  Resumes can be sent to KSelleck@BarryCounty.org For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 1/30/26 

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I/II/III - Washtenaw County - As an assistant trial lawyer to the appointed county public defender, under either general or direct supervision of managerial/supervisory staff, this developing, professional level - trial lawyer position serves as an integral part of a legal defense team. This position provides legal representation on behalf of all defendants, including juveniles, charged with criminal or civil violations who are assessed by the courts as being without sufficient resources to retain legal counsel.

Position is initially under close supervision and as trial attorneys gain greater experience to perform more independently, employees gradually receive more complex assignments. Advancement to LEVELS II and III are made after gaining required experience while demonstrating acceptable work proficiency. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 1/30/26 

Immigration Arraignment Assistant Public Defender (I/II/III) - Washtenaw County - As an assistant trial lawyer to the appointed county public defender, under either general or direct supervision of managerial/supervisory staff, this developing, professional level - trial lawyer position serves as an integral part of the arraignment legal defense team. This position provides legal representation on behalf of all defendants charged with criminal or civil violations who are assessed by the courts as being without sufficient resources to retain legal counsel. In addition to core public defense duties, this role includes providing Padilla-required advisories on the immigration consequences of criminal charges to public defender offices within the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission's (MIDC) Southeast Region and connecting clients to appropriate resources for their immigration-related needs.

This position is designed for attorneys with experience or a strong interest in immigration law as it relates to criminal defense. Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Position is initially under close supervision and as trial attorneys gain greater experience to perform more independently, employees gradually receive more complex assignments.

Advancement to LEVELS II and III are made after gaining required experience while demonstrating acceptable work proficiency. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 1/30/26 

Criminal Defense Attorney (Mid-Level Litigation) - Kalamazoo -This is not an entry-level role and not a desk job. We are a fast-paced, growing criminal defense law firm seeking a mid-level litigation attorney who is comfortable in court, confident with clients, and ready to carry real responsibility in an active criminal practice. If you thrive on motion hearings, court appearances, and trial work—and you want to own your cases from arraignment through resolution—this role is built for you.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of criminal or litigation experience, strong courtroom presence, and the ability to manage a demanding caseload without micromanagement. You’ll litigate misdemeanors and felonies, develop defense strategies, negotiate resolutions, and work closely with experienced staff so you can focus on advocacy. We offer competitive compensation, performance-based bonuses, a full benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401(k)), PTO, flex-time/work-at-home options, paid parking, and real growth potential in a firm that values preparation, urgency, and accountability. Apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references to Support@SchlackLaw.com. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 1/21/26 

Legal Assistant & Executive Assistant (two positions) - Kalamazoo - We are hiring a Legal Assistant ($37,440–$54,080 DOE, 30–40 hrs/week) and an Executive Assistant ($43,680–$62,400 DOE, 40 hrs/week). Both roles require exceptional organization, tech-savviness, discretion, and the ability to manage demanding workloads and stressed clients. The Executive Assistant role is a true right-hand position, providing high-level support to the Managing Attorney, managing priorities, solving problems before they surface, and supporting firm growth. We offer competitive pay, performance bonuses, full benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k)), PTO, flex-time/work-at-home options, paid parking, and meaningful influence in a firm that values competence and results. To apply, email a brief cover letter (specifying the role), a one-page resume, and references to Support@SchlackLaw.com. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 1/21/26 

Criminal Defense Attorney - Petoskey, Emmet County - Emmet County is seeking an independent contract attorney to provide indigent criminal defense services in high severity and life felony cases and to join its consortium of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission attorneys. In addition to case assignments, the attorney will be required to be on call for one week per month to handle arraignments and last minute Court matters at both the District Court and Circuit Court level. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 1/21/26 

Assistant Public Defender - Muskegon - The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public Defender Director, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in various forums, including county, municipal, and township courts, offering client-centered holistic legal representation to clients unable to afford legal counsel for criminal or civil violations. Additionally, the APD may be assigned to youth/juveniles under 18 years of age charged with criminal offenses and parents at risk of losing their children to the State because of allegations of neglect or abuse (N/A), and also sometimes serving as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in these cases. The position also provides operational/administrative assistance to the Director for recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating a large volunteer and paid workforce of qualified student interns. While initially under supervision, the lawyer progressively gains independence with experience. As an APD progresses in the department, in addition to the tasks described above, the APD may be assigned to take on administrative duties, train and/or supervise subordinates, take leadership positions, and take on more difficult and/or higher jeopardy cases.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 1/8/26 

Assistant Public Defender I or II - Wexford and Missaukee Counties - This regional office is seeking an Assistant Defender to provide appointed indigent defense services in Wexford and Missaukee Counties. The Wexford-Missaukee office employs a holistic model, and this position is supported by an office team that includes two social workers, a fulltime investigator, and summer law and social work fellows. Please view the full posting to learn more. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25

Assistant Public Defender - Alpena, Oscoda, and Montmorency Counties -  The Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office is looking to hire an entry level attorney for the position of Assistant Public Defender- new grads encouraged to apply! Candidates who demonstrate a passion for rural justice and working with the holistic defense model are encouraged to apply- we would love to introduce you to our small and mighty team. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25 

Principal Attorney - Pontiac -  Are you ready to apply your legal expertise to the most challenging and complex work in public defense? As a Principal Attorney in the Oakland County Public Defender’s Office, you will handle the Office’s most serious cases while providing highly specialized legal representation to indigent clients. You will evaluate evidence, interview involved parties, prepare and file court documents, and present cases in District and Circuit courts. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong legal analysis, and the ability to ensure case materials are thorough, accurate, and complete. You will also provide expert guidance to other attorneys within the Office. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25 

Felony Assignment Attorney - Emmet County - Emmet County is seeking an independent contract attorney to provide indigent criminal defense services in high severity and life felony cases and to join its consortium of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission attorneys. In addition to case assignments, the attorney will be required to be on call for one week per month to handle arraignments and last minute Court matters at both the District Court and Circuit Court level. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25 

Chief Public Defender - Benzie County - Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Public Defender, serves as the attorney of records of all indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Manistee and Benzie Counties meet all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult offenders.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/4/25

Associate Public Assistant Public Defender - Benzie County - Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Public Defender, serves as the attorney of records of all indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Manistee and Benzie Counties meet all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult offenders. The Associate Public Defender will maintain full compliance with standards set forth by the MIDC/LARA.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/4/25 

Assistant Public Defender I - Ottawa County- Under the direction of the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defender and senior attorneys, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants at the person’s first appearance, and for subsequent proceedings on those cases assigned for misdemeanors; with experience and demonstrated ability may also be assigned low severity felonies and co-counsel for high severity felonies.

This is a full-time, benefited positions available working Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Public Defender works out of two locations, one in Holland, Michigan and the other in Grand Haven, Michigan. Assignment to either location will be based on the needs of the Office, with consideration to a candidate’s preference. Salary range starts at $83,600.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/4/25 

Assistant Public Defender-Senior - Pontiac - As an Assistant Public Defender – Senior, you will handle criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor to felony level in Oakland County, providing exceptional legal representation to clients who need it most. You’ll conduct in-depth investigations, prepare and present cases in court, and serve as a mentor to less experienced attorneys—all while advancing the mission of the Public Defender’s Office to uphold fairness, integrity, and justice for all.

What You’ll Do: Represent indigent clients in misdemeanor and felony cases, providing thorough and effective defense at every stage of litigation. Prepare and file all necessary court documents, including motions, briefs, and sentencing memoranda. Conduct preliminary examinations, jury trials, and bench trials, ensuring clients’ rights are protected. Mentor and guide less experienced attorneys while contributing to a culture of collaboration and professional growth.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/26/25 

CJA Coordinating Attorney - Grand Rapids -  The CJA Coordinating Attorney oversees the administration and management of the district’s CJA panel attorney program. This attorney will work closely with the CJA Panel, CJA Panel Administrator, the United States District Court, Defender Services Office (DSO), and the Federal Public Defender to ensure high quality representation and to assist in efficient management of CJA resources and support for CJA panel attorneys. This position reports to the Federal Public Defender and does not permit court appearances or representation of clients. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/20/25