 
Kent County Announces New Office of the Public Defender
Qualified Candidates Are Encouraged to Apply for Top Public Defender Position
Grand Rapids, MI (July 24, 2024) – The Kent County Administrator's Office is excited to announce the establishment of a new Office of the Public Defender, a department dedicated to enhancing and expanding the criminal defense system for indigent adults facing criminal charges within the County.
In 2013, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) was established to oversee defense services for indigent adults (MCL §780.981 et seq.). The State then transferred implementation responsibilities to court funding units, including counties, providing most of the operating funds. Over the past six years, the County has contracted with an outside organization and private attorneys to provide representation for indigent adults. In early 2024, a report by the National Association for Public Defense recommended creating a new county Office of the Public Defender to improve services. The County Administrator followed the recommendation, which was approved by the Board of Commissioners.
The first step in establishing the county department is to hire a Public Defender to serve as the Department Director for the office and the attorney of record for indigent adult defendants. This pivotal role involves developing, implementing, overseeing, and directing the Public Defender’s Office and the indigent defense private counsel roster.
“This is a crucial moment for Kent County as we establish the Office of the Public Defender. Our goal is to standardize representation and increase transparency, ensuring every resident is provided with excellent representation within our legal system,” said Al Vanderberg, Kent County Administrator. “That’s why it is so important to find an exceptional candidate to lead this new office. This person will be essential in shaping our team, creating efficient systems, and enhancing services for our residents.”
The responsibilities and qualifications for the full-time Public Defender position, based in downtown Grand Rapids, are:
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Leadership: Develop and maintain long and short-term goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department. Direct programs to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies, managing a $25 million budget supported by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
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Compliance and Management: Ensure adherence to guidelines outlined in the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) grant manual and related guidance. Oversee administrative activities, including grant application, reporting, conflict checks, case appointments, and reviews of roster attorney invoices.
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Legal Expertise: Research, analyze, and evaluate legal issues on behalf of the department. Provide written and/or oral opinions and advice as appropriate. Represent clients in court.
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Team Supervision: Manage a team of attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, legal assistants, and other support staff.
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Case Oversight: Approve and supervise pre-trial investigations, motion practice, transcript requests, funding requests, polygraph examinations, and the use of expert witnesses. Direct the defense of all criminal cases assigned to the Office of the Public Defender.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor from an ABA Accredited institution.
- At least ten (10) years of experience in criminal law practice with progressively responsible experience in the administrative supervision of legal services.
- Experience providing exceptional legal services to indigent adult defendants.
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity, and social justice.
- Bilingual ability preferred.
- Eligible to practice before all Michigan and Federal Courts, with the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in Michigan within 12 months of the start date.
- Possess a valid Driver’s License.
Applications for this position will be accepted until August 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern.
"We need a Public Defender who is committed to advocating for the disadvantaged and dedicated to our community," concluded Vanderberg. "We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply and contribute to making a meaningful impact in Kent County."
For further details and to apply, visit accesskent.com/jobs.
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