Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Paralegal Studies, Legal Assistant Studies, or related field.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or legal field.
Preferred Education and Experience
Prior experience with indigent criminal defense system or working for a criminal defense attorney/firm.
Required Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
Preferred Licenses or Certifications
Certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants or similar association.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
Legal terminology, and criminal procedures
Online research including Westlaw, Lexis, or equivalent on-line legal research programs
Court policies, procedures, and filing requirements. Includes familiarity with electronic document filing in District Courts, Circuit Court, and Court of Appeals
Modern office equipment and technology including Microsoft Office products
Skill in:
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials and the public
Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Organization and time management
Ability to:
Computer resources for conducting background checks, social media searches, and obtaining other information about clients and witnesses
Work in an environment which embraces the county's Dignity Campaign
Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Work independently
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
N/S =Never/Seldom O =Occasionally F/C = Frequently/Continuously
Work Environment
Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
Outdoor environment: N/S
Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
Construction site: N/S
Confined space: N/S
Exposures
Individuals who are hostile or irate: O
Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S
Communicable diseases: N/S
Moving mechanical parts: N/S
Fumes or airborne particles: N/S
Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S
Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S
Blood Borne Pathoge
Benefits
Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insurance
Additional Information
As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.
To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here
CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Paralegal
SALARY:
$50,007.10 - $64,680.01
DEPARTMENT:
Public Defenders Office
Opening Date:
06/02/2026
Closing Date:
06/16/2026 12:00 a.m.
FLSA Statu s: Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy
Employment Relationshi p: Just cause subject to probationary period
CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is 8:00am.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under direction, performs legal research, investigates facts, prepares documents, manages files, and supports trial and case management activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Investigates facts and law in assigned cases, identifies issues, summarizes findings, summarizes documents, and prepares memos.
Obtains, downloads, organizes, indexes, summarizes, and archives discovery in case files.
Researches and analyzes legal issues using computer resources and other methods of legal research.
Prepares, serves, and files documents such as witness lists, discovery demands, sentencing memos, jury instructions, affidavits, motions, briefs, memos, and other documents.
Files pleadings and other documents, using e-filing methods.
Maintains criminal defense files by organizing, maintaining, and archiving of file materials.
Assist attorneys with trial activities by preparing PowerPoint presentations, assisting with courtroom IT needs, contacting experts/investigators, preparing exhibits, requesting/summarizing transcripts, and ensuring presence of and coordinating presentation of witnesses.
Prepares and directs delivery of subpoenas to witnesses.
Maintain attorney schedules and track attorney time spent on file activities.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Macombgov · Public Defender's Office