Below are a list of positions and a short description as provided by the entity hiring. CDAM is not hiring these positions, simply making information available. All positions will be removed after 60 days. Send job postings to rsain@cdamonline.org or fill in our form. 

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 

Chief Public Defender  - Alger County - Under the general supervision of the Alger County Board of Commissioners, the Chief Public Defender manages the Public Defender Office, tracks data for reports, supervises staff and office management, reviews invoices to comply with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) requirements, and manages assignment of cases to roster attorneys, all while maintaining a full caseload. It is the Chief Public Defender’s purpose to ensure that the county justice system meets all constitutional and legislative requirements for adult defendants. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance with vision and dental plans. 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

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 

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

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 

Assistant Public Defender II - Barry County - Barry County is seeking a qualified attorney to provide support for the Barry County Public Defender Office. The APD II will be responsible for a full time Indigent Defense caseload. The APD II will also 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 to three years of criminal defense is required. The salary range will be $82,784.00 - $96,844.80, 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 

Assistant Public Defender and Senior Assistant Public Defender- Isabella County - Provides court appointed indigent defense services within Isabella County Courts. Attends legal and community meetings as directed. The Assistant Pubic Defender represents indigent persons primarily charged with misdemeanor offenses whereas the Senior Assistant focuses their work on felony offenses. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 4/23/26 

Public Defender IV - Jackson County  -  Jackson County is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Public Defender IV, providing high-quality legal representation to indigent clients. This position handles complex felony cases and serves as lead trial counsel, ensuring compliance with constitutional standards and Michigan Indigent Defense Commission requirements.

Qualified candidates must have a Juris Doctor, be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan, and possess at least five years of criminal law experience. Applicants should have significant trial experience, including serving as lead counsel in felony jury trials, and the ability to independently manage serious cases. For a complete job description, please click here.  first emailed 4/8/26