Full Time Paralegal Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $77,188.00 - $116,958.00 Annually
Location : Muskegon, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-02714
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Description of Work
Hourly pay rate will fall within stated range based on experience.
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.
Required Minimum Entrance Qualifications
1. Must possess a Law Degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Have a valid Michigan driver's license.
3. Must be eligible for Membership in the State Bar Association and be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
4. Must be able to secure clearance to enter correctional facilities.
5. Must be able to provide personal transportation for job related duties throughout the County if a County-owned vehicle is not available.
Preferred but not Required
Bilingual in Spanish highly desired.
Two years of experience in the practice of criminal or family (i.e.: Neglect and Abuse, Juvenile, Probate (Mental Health) law is preferred.
Physical Conditions / Work Location
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
An Assistant Public Defender performs generally sedentary work activities, requiring the occasional lifting of objects weighing thirty-five (35) pounds or less.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
An Assistant Public Defender works in a variety (i.e. County Courthouse, Jail, Public Defenders Office, etc.) of locations and additional travel may be required.
This position may be in the Criminal Division or the Family Division.
Additional Information
CLICK BELOW FOR JOB DESCRIPTION
EVALUATION CONTENT
The selected candidate must take a post-offer medical examination (including back screen and complete physical) and drug screening test given by a County appointed physician before the first day of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for County employment may be subject to a post-offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.
APPLICANT REVIEW PROCEDUREAny applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the County regarding the applicant's employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the County Human Resources Department.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the County system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for three months unless exhausted or extended.
MUSKEGON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MUSKEGON COUNTY HAS ADOPTED A VETERANS PREFERENCE POLICY
THAT RECOGNIZES QUALIFYING MILITARY SERVICE
**Non-Bargaining new hires have the option of either a County contribution to the Health Savings Account (outlined below) OR a 3% County contribution to the Lincoln Financial (457b) plan.
CONTRACT SECTION
BENEFIT
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) Plan 1
Single Plan: $2,500 Deductible, **$1,250 Employer HSA Contribution, Out of Pocket Max $4,000. 2 People/Family: $5,000 Deductible, **$2,500 HSA Employer Contribution, Out of Pocket Max $8,000, Co-insurance - 10%
Employer Contributions are prorated based on start date of benefits
No Employee Premium Contributions Per Pay
Prescription Drugs: $10/$40/$80 (After deductible)
Health Savings Account (HSA) Plan 2
Single Plan: $1,650 Deductible, **$800 Employer HSA Contribution, Out of Pocket Max $2,250. 2 People/Family: $3,300 Deductible, **$1,600 Employer HSA Contribution, Out of Pocket Max $4,500
Employer Contributions are prorated based on start date of benefits
Monthly Employee Premium: Single-$161.58, 2 person- $387.80, Family- $484.76
Prescription Drugs: $10/$40/$80 (After deductible)
High Deductible Plan (HD) * This plan is only optional if the employee is not eligible for the HSA, Single Plan: $750 Deductible, 2 People/Family: $1,500 Deductible, No Employee Premium Contributions Per Pay
Prescription Drugs: $10/$40/$80
Available first of the month following one full month of continuous employment
Lincoln Financial 457b
**In lieu of employer HSA contribution you may be eligible for an employer contribution of 3% into the Lincoln Financial 457b plan
Dental Insurance
15% employee premium contribution
Available first of the month following one full month of continuous employment
Vision Insurance
15% employee premium contribution
Available first of the month following one full month of continuous employment
Benefit Option
In lieu of medical coverage you may be eligible to receive a biweekly benefit option payment. Single: $104.16 or 2Person/Family: $187.50
Retirement
Defined Contribution (DC) Plan through MERS of Michigan with 3% employer and 4.5% employee contribution. There is a 6 year graduated vesting for the employer contribution.
Retiree Insurance
Healthcare Savings Account (HCSP) through MERS of Michigan, employer 3% contribution. Vesting requirement of 6 years.
Life Insurance and AD & D
Equal to employee annual salary to next highest $1,000. Max $200,000
Available first of the month following one full month of continuous employment
Long Term Disability
No cost to the employee, employer paid at 66 2/3% of salary after 6 month waiting period
Available first of the month following one full month of continuous employment
Sick Leave
10 days per year, accumulated .385 days. per pay period
Accrual begins on first day of employment and is available to use on the 90th day of employment.
Annual Leave
13 days, accumulated .500 days per pay period. Increasing to maximum of 24 days with 20 years of eligible County service, see Personnel Rules for accumulation chart.
Accrual begins on first day of employment and is available for use upon hire.
Sick/Annual Leave Cash Payout
Employee may elect up to 80 hours of accumulated vacation and/or sick time to be paid as cash. Future accruals only.
Personal Days
2 days per fiscal year, unused days will be forfeited
Available upon completion of six months of continuous eligible County service
Holidays
13 days
COLA/Longevity
COLA only for employees with 0-4 years of eligible service payment based on the CPI and must be in pay status as of 12/1. Payment of $600 at 5 years of continuous service as of 12/1. Each subsequent year of service will add $100 to the payment for an unlimited maximum.
Voluntary Benefits
(100% employee paid)
Short term disability, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, voluntary life insurance for self/spouse/dependents, 457 Investment options (available immediately upon hire), Section 125 (available for Health and Childcare reimbursement)
Available first of the month following one full month of continuous employment
Student Loan Forgiveness
You may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through federal programs designed for people who work in public service including Local government (Public Student Loan Forgiveness, Temporary Expanded PSLF).
*Rates and coverage are always subject to change.