Find your next professional opportunity within Michigan's criminal defense community or share open positions with our extensive network of dedicated legal professionals.

Director: Indigent Defense Services - Wayne County - Wayne County’s Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD) is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in trial-level criminal defense representation for indigent defendants and ensuring equal access to justice. The Department is funded through annual grants from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and is responsible for the administration of the county’s entire indigent defense system. Approximately 50% of felony case assignments are managed by a roster of more than 200 private assigned counsels who have been qualified by the IDSD Attorney Assignment Committee and categorized into four tiers based on case complexity. The remaining 50% of assignments are handled by Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), the County’s public defense vendor.

The Director -Indigent Defense Services provides leadership and oversight of the Department, which serves as a central component of Wayne County’s administrative framework for indigent defense services. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Department, including supervision of Department personnel, administration and management of funding, policy development, and leadership of a comprehensive county-wide criminal defense system designed to ensure the effective assistance of counsel for indigent individuals charged with felony offenses. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 7/10/26

Chief Public Defender - Benzie/Manistee County - Under the direction and supervision of the County Administrator, the Chief Public Defender serves as the attorney of record of all indigent adults in criminal cases ensuring that Benzie/Manistee County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult offenders. The Public Defender is responsible for development, implementation, oversight and direction of the Public Defender Office and the indigent defense private counsel conflict/overflow list. This includes staffing, training supervising, counseling, disciplining the office, and maintaining full compliance of the State of Michigan/LARA requirements. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 7/10/26

Senior Assistant Public Defender - Marquette - Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, the Senior Assistant Public Defender serves as attorney for indigent clients throughout Marquette County and as an advocate for indigent defense. The Senior Assistant Public Defender performs legal research, handles cases primarily in Circuit Court, and provides representation of individuals on the arraignment docket. This position may handle other cases as directed by the Chief Public Defender. The Senior Assistant Public Defender shall advocate in the best interest for clients while providing quality legal representation for defendants without means to retain legal counsel, after being charged with criminal or civil violations. They shall serve as a case-review team leader and mentor for other Assistant Public Defenders. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 7/10/26

Attorney - Assistant Public Defender (Levels I, II, III & IV) - Jackson County - Accepting candidates with a Juris Doctorate and the ability to obtain their State Bar License within 12 months. Serve as the attorney of record of indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Jackson County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements. Easily apply by entering your personal contact information into our job application and uploading your cover letter and resume. Criminal law, jury trial, and high-severity felony case experience preferred but not required.

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE:

Primarily seeking Public Defender Levels I and II at this time but open to candidates with Level III and IV experience as well.

Public Defender I: $73,132.80 - Juris Doctorate degree, eligible for a Certificate of Admittance to the State Bar of Michigan. Conditional employment based on ability to obtain your State Bar License within 12 months of hire. Prefer one year experience in the practice of criminal law or law school internship/externship/clinic experience but will train the right candidate.

To qualify for placement as Public Defender II, III or IV candidates must have a Juris Doctorate degree, State Bar License with evidence of good professional standing. Qualifications as set forth in MIDC proposed Standard 7, compliance with Standard I CLE, and experience levels defined below. Higher compensation determined based on years of criminal defense experience with a record of high-quality criminal trial court representation and ability to handle high severity felony cases.

Public Defender II: $76,752.00 - $86,832.40 - Served as co-counsel or second chair in a prior trial (misdemeanor, felony, bench or jury) or equivalent experience. Criminal Law experience preferred.

Public Defender III: $82,534.40 - $92,851.20 - Has practiced criminal law for one full year (as prosecutor, public defender, or private criminal defense) and has been trial counsel alone or handled a significant portion of a trial in two criminal cases that have reached a verdict with a minimum of one trial that included a jury.

Public Defender IV: $90,771.20 - 102,148.80 - Has practiced criminal law for five years and been trial counsel alone or as lead for seven felony criminal cases that have been submitted to a jury or has a significant record of consistently high quality criminal trial court representation and the ability to handle a high-severity felony case. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 7/10/26

Assistant Public Defender Arraignment Attorney (Level II) - Jackson County - Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Assistant Public Defender II- Arraignment Attorney provides legal representation to indigent defendants at all stages of arraignment proceedings in the Jackson County courts. This position is responsible for advising clients regarding their constitutional, statutory, and procedural rights; advocating for pretrial release and appropriate bond conditions; and ensuring that clients are fully informed of the charges and consequences associated with criminal proceedings. The position is primarily focused on daily arraignment appearances and related case management responsibilities. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 7/10/26 

Assistant Federal Public Defender  - Federal Defender of West Michigan - The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Michigan is seeking applicants for an Assistant Federal Public Defender position. This role provides comprehensive criminal defense representation to individuals charged with federal offenses who cannot afford legal counsel, including trial work, appeals, post-conviction matters, and related proceedings. Qualified candidates must be licensed attorneys with strong analytical, trial, and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public defense.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit application materials directly to the Federal Public Defender's Office. The Federal Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 6/17/26

Senior Assistant Defender  - Saginaw County - Saginaw County is seeking an experienced attorney (minimum 5 years criminal law experience) to provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to indigent adult clients, handling capital, felony, misdemeanor, and probation violation cases. The attorney manages a full caseload, advocates for clients at all stages of the criminal process, and works collaboratively with clients, investigators, experts, and legal staff to achieve the best possible outcomes. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Michigan and possess strong communication, advocacy, and case management skills. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 6/17/26 

Paralegal / Legal Secretary  - Saginaw County - The Paralegal/Legal Secretary provides administrative and legal support to attorneys by preparing legal documents, maintaining case files, scheduling hearings and appointments, and assisting with case management. The successful candidate will have prior legal office experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 6/17/26

Assistant Defender  - Saginaw County - Saginaw County is seeking a qualified attorney to provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to indigent adult clients, handling misdemeanor, felony, and probation violation cases. The attorney manages a full caseload, advocates for clients at all stages of the criminal process, and works collaboratively with clients, investigators, experts, and legal staff to achieve the best possible outcomes. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Michigan and possess strong communication, advocacy, and case management skills. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 6/17/26 

Criminal Justice Act Panel - Eastern District - Applications are now being accepted from attorneys seeking admission to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Attorney Program to represent indigent defendants in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Bay City). To download an application and/or obtain additional information regarding the SJA Panel, please visit the Federal Community Defender website at www.mie.fd.org. Please return completed applications to:

Federal Community Defender

Atten: CJA Panel Program

316 Abbot Street, Suite 500

Detroit, Michigan 48226

Fax: (313) 962-0685

Email: lauricia_murray@fd.org

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2026. Applications will first be screened by the CJA Selection Committee and then by the U. S. District Court. Sixth Circuit Rules require that an attorney appointed at trial continue through appeal. All attorneys who are currently on the CJA Panel for the Eastern District of Michigan muse renew their application this year.  first emailed 6/3/26 

Assistant Public Defender - Ingham County - Join Ingham County’s Office of the Public Defender as an Assistant Public Defender in Lansing, Michigan. This full-time position represents indigent clients throughout Ingham County courts, handling research, investigations, negotiations, pleas, and trials while advocating for justice and due process. Candidates must be graduates of an accredited law school and members in good standing with the Michigan Bar. The office values empathy, strong communication, and commitment to client-centered representation. Attorneys receive competitive pay, benefits, and professional development opportunities, including continuing legal education. Applications may close once qualified candidates are identified, so interested applicants should apply promptly to begin meaningful public service. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 5/8/26 

Law Clerk - Kalamazoo- Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time, dedicated Law Clerk to provide indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts. In this role, you will manage a misdemeanor caseload under the supervision of the Misdemeanor Supervisor. Responsibilities include covering arraignment shifts, meeting with clients, negotiating with prosecutors, and litigating cases as necessary while practicing under Michigan Court Rule 8.120. The law clerk will participate in training, maintain detailed case notes, and adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance. This position is intended to allow for practice as eligible under MCR 8.120 which allows for practice for up to one year from the date of law school graduation.

Embracing a holistic, client-centered approach, the Law Clerk will work as part of a multidisciplinary defense team, demonstrating a commitment to indigent defense while receiving mentorship and guidance from more senior attorneys and contributing to the overall success of the team. Candidates are expected to prepare for and take the bar exam at the next available opportunity if not already admitted. After passing the Michigan Bar and becoming licensed, this position will automatically convert to an Assistant Public Defender I (APD I). For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 5/8/26 

Assistant Public Defender I - Kalamazoo - Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time Assistant Public Defender I to provide indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts, primarily handling misdemeanor cases under the supervision of the Misdemeanor Supervisor. Applicants must hold a Juris Doctorate and be licensed to practice in the state of Michigan in good standing or be eligible for admission by waiver.

This role involves a deep commitment to the holistic defense model, zealous representation of clients, and maintaining strong communication with multidisciplinary defense team members. Responsibilities include covering arraignment shifts, meeting with clients, negotiating with prosecutors, and litigating cases as necessary. In this role, you will participate in training, maintain detailed case notes, and adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance. The APD I is expected to collaborate with internal and external investigators, present well-researched legal issues in court, and stay updated on legal trends. This position requires someone with excellent communication skills, the ability to manage a misdemeanor caseload, a strong desire to develop litigation skills, and the willingness to collaborate with more experienced defenders. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 5/8/26

Associate Attorney - Birmingham - Barone Defense Firm is seeking a recent law school graduate or early-career attorney to join its Michigan criminal defense practice, with a focus on DUI defense, criminal litigation, and courtroom advocacy. The associate attorney will begin with structured training and close mentorship, then take on increasing responsibility in client meetings, evidence review, motion practice, negotiations, administrative hearings, trial preparation, and courtroom proceedings including trial work. This position offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and meaningful litigation experience in a nationally recognized criminal defense firm. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 5/8/26 

Assistant Public Defender  - Muskegon County - 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 18yoa 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 a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 5/8/26 

Assistant Public Defender I - Barry County - Barry County is seeking a qualified, entry-level attorney to provide support for the Barry County Public Defender Office. The APD I will be responsible for an Indigent Defense caseload. The APD I will assist with ensuring that Barry County meets all constitutional and legislative requirements pertaining to the representation of indigent adults and provide a high level of Indigent Defense services. One year of criminal defense is preferred, but is not required. The salary range will be $71,219.20 – $83,262.40, based on experience. For additional information, including a copy of the position description, please visit www.barrycounty.org or contact the Barry County Public Defender’s Office, 206 W. Court Street, Suite 001, Hastings, Michigan 49058, or by telephone at (269)818-0379. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 4/23/26