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Washtenaw County · 19 hours ago

Immigration Arraignment Assistant Public Defender

Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

2+ years exp

Washtenaw County is seeking an Immigration Arraignment Assistant Public Defender to provide legal representation for defendants lacking sufficient resources. This role involves advising on immigration consequences of criminal charges, collaborating with public defenders, and connecting clients to immigration resources.

GovernmentInformation ServicesMedical

Hiring Manager

Delphia Simpson

Responsibilities

Provide required advisories under Padilla v. Kentucky to indigent clients of the MIDC Southeast Region regarding the potential immigration consequences of criminal charges, plea agreements, and convictions

Consult with public defenders handling cases involving noncitizen clients to assess risks related to deportation, inadmissibility, or other immigration penalties

Work with public defense teams across the MIDC Southeast Region to be an immigration law resource and offer guidance on criminal-immigration law intersections

Prepare advisory memoranda on the immigration consequences of specific charges or case dispositions for defense attorneys

Refer clients to immigration specialists and legal service organizations for further assistance with their immigration matters

Interviews clients, witnesses, professional experts, and law enforcement personnel while also examining police reports and investigating crime scenes to gather available facts for use in legal representation

Connect clients with appropriate community resources for immigration-related needs, including access to nonprofit legal aid, advocacy groups, and social services

Stay updated on changes in immigration law and policies that may impact noncitizen defendants and advise public defenders accordingly

Develop and provide training to Assistant Public Defenders and staff on Padilla requirements and best practices for advising noncitizen clients

Engage in community outreach and advocacy efforts related to the intersection of immigration and criminal law

Investigates or assigns to an investigator the background facts for clients by interviewing friends, family associates, schools, social agencies, and employers while also gathering data such as police records, school records and employment histories

Provides effective counseling to clients for a realistic evaluation of the facts and evidence in their case to ascertain a resolution or legal action that is in their best interest, such as bench or jury trials or other alternative case dispositions

Effectively represents the appointed county public defender in providing competent legal representation for clients charged with criminal or civil violations at arraignments, pre¬trial conferences, motions, sentencing, preliminary examinations for felonies, abuse and neglect matters and juvenile delinquency cases

Effectively represents the appointed county public defender in providing competent legal representation to clients in the conduct of jury or bench trials within the courts in delivering the case to include presenting opening and closing statements, arguing motions, and calling and examining witnesses

Reads extensively to keep current on new laws, precedents, and court procedures

Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance in and out of court

Regularly confer with supervisor regarding status and direction of cases

Discuss concluded cases with supervisors and colleagues to review appropriateness of methods and techniques used in providing competent legal defense to clients

Assists effectively in training, giving work assignments, supervising, and evaluating volunteer student interns

As assigned, attend, and participate, as the representative of the Public Defender, community or committee meetings on topics related to the functions of the Public Defender's Office

As assigned, once qualified and on a rotating basis, work weekend and holiday duty

Complies with all standards promulgated by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission including, but not limited to, standards regarding training, education, and CLE requirements

Performs all other related duties as assigned

Qualification

Immigration lawLegal researchCourtroom advocacyFluency in SpanishCommunity outreachJuris Doctor degreeMembership in State BarCollaboration skillsLitigation skillsCommunication skills

Required

Strong understanding of immigration law as it pertains to criminal defense, particularly Padilla v. Kentucky and its application in Michigan courts

Ability to assess and communicate the immigration consequences of criminal charges and plea deals

Excellent legal research and writing skills for preparing advisories and consultation materials

Strong courtroom advocacy and litigation skills within the scope of criminal defense

Ability to collaborate with public defenders, investigators, and external immigration law specialists

Competency in connecting clients to external resources for immigration support services, including legal aid organizations, advocacy groups, and social services

Competency in community outreach and education regarding immigration issues within the criminal justice system

Membership in good standing in the State Bar of Michigan

Possess a valid Michigan driver's license

Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school

Two (2) years of LEVEL I experience required with acceptable work performance for LEVEL II - GRADE 30

Three (3) years of LEVEL II experience required with acceptable work performance for LEVEL III - GRADE 32