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 Public Defender I or II - Wexford and Missaukee Counties - This regional office is seeking an Assistant Defender to provide appointed indigent defense services in Wexford and Missaukee Counties. The Wexford-Missaukee office employs a holistic model, and this position is supported by an office team that includes two social workers, a fulltime investigator, and summer law and social work fellows. Please view the full posting to learn more. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25

Assistant Public Defender - Alpena, Oscoda, and Montmorency Counties -  The Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office is looking to hire an entry level attorney for the position of Assistant Public Defender- new grads encouraged to apply! Candidates who demonstrate a passion for rural justice and working with the holistic defense model are encouraged to apply- we would love to introduce you to our small and mighty team. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25 

Principal Attorney - Pontiac -  Are you ready to apply your legal expertise to the most challenging and complex work in public defense? As a Principal Attorney in the Oakland County Public Defender’s Office, you will handle the Office’s most serious cases while providing highly specialized legal representation to indigent clients. You will evaluate evidence, interview involved parties, prepare and file court documents, and present cases in District and Circuit courts. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong legal analysis, and the ability to ensure case materials are thorough, accurate, and complete. You will also provide expert guidance to other attorneys within the Office. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25 

Felony Assignment Attorney - Emmet County - Emmet County is seeking an independent contract attorney to provide indigent criminal defense services in high severity and life felony cases and to join its consortium of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission attorneys. In addition to case assignments, the attorney will be required to be on call for one week per month to handle arraignments and last minute Court matters at both the District Court and Circuit Court level. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/17/25 

Chief Public Defender - Benzie County - Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Public Defender, serves as the attorney of records of all indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Manistee and Benzie Counties meet all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult offenders.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/4/25

Associate Public Assistant Public Defender - Benzie County - Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Public Defender, serves as the attorney of records of all indigent defendants in criminal cases ensuring that Manistee and Benzie Counties meet all constitutional and legislative requirements as they pertain to the representation of indigent adult offenders. The Associate Public Defender will maintain full compliance with standards set forth by the MIDC/LARA.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/4/25 

Assistant Public Defender I - Ottawa County- Under the direction of the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defender and senior attorneys, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants at the person’s first appearance, and for subsequent proceedings on those cases assigned for misdemeanors; with experience and demonstrated ability may also be assigned low severity felonies and co-counsel for high severity felonies.

This is a full-time, benefited positions available working Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Public Defender works out of two locations, one in Holland, Michigan and the other in Grand Haven, Michigan. Assignment to either location will be based on the needs of the Office, with consideration to a candidate’s preference. Salary range starts at $83,600.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 12/4/25 

Assistant Public Defender-Senior - Pontiac - As an Assistant Public Defender – Senior, you will handle criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor to felony level in Oakland County, providing exceptional legal representation to clients who need it most. You’ll conduct in-depth investigations, prepare and present cases in court, and serve as a mentor to less experienced attorneys—all while advancing the mission of the Public Defender’s Office to uphold fairness, integrity, and justice for all.

What You’ll Do: Represent indigent clients in misdemeanor and felony cases, providing thorough and effective defense at every stage of litigation. Prepare and file all necessary court documents, including motions, briefs, and sentencing memoranda. Conduct preliminary examinations, jury trials, and bench trials, ensuring clients’ rights are protected. Mentor and guide less experienced attorneys while contributing to a culture of collaboration and professional growth.  For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/26/25 

CJA Coordinating Attorney - Grand Rapids -  The CJA Coordinating Attorney oversees the administration and management of the district’s CJA panel attorney program. This attorney will work closely with the CJA Panel, CJA Panel Administrator, the United States District Court, Defender Services Office (DSO), and the Federal Public Defender to ensure high quality representation and to assist in efficient management of CJA resources and support for CJA panel attorneys. This position reports to the Federal Public Defender and does not permit court appearances or representation of clients. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/20/25 

Assistant Public Defender - Van Buren County -  The Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for representing clients in criminal cases who are unable to afford private legal representation. Responsibilities include providing legal counsel, conducting research, preparing legal documents, representing clients in court hearings and trials, negotiating plea agreements, and collaborating with legal support staff to ensure effective case management. The role requires a commitment to justice and the ability to advocate zealously for clients within the legal system. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/20/25 

Assistant Public Defender I - Grand Rapids - The Assistant Public Defender I is a professional legal role providing representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Responsibilities include evaluating evidence, interviewing necessary parties, researching, and writing any necessary court filings, and presenting case materials in court. More than 50% of the cases are misdemeanor however they may include low severity felonies. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/13/25 

Associate Attorney - Statewide but rooted in Oakland County - Rockstar associate needed. Remote work and travel will be required. The firm cares more about everything non-law-related than where you went to school, your GPA, or your class rank. See our ad for more information and to learn about our practice! 

Shannon Smith Law, PC is looking to hire an associate attorney. The firm is a powerhouse criminal defense firm that specializes in defending those accused of sex crimes and related matters throughout the state. Shannon Smith often represents high-profile clients as her practice serves those who face the most serious penalties – life offenses and decades in prison. The practice maintains a small caseload to ensure the best results and excellent client experience. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/13/25 

Deputy Public Defender - Sault Ste. Marie - Chippewa County is seeking a full-time Deputy Public Defender who will, under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, provide legal representation to indigent Chippewa County persons charged with a criminal offense in District Court, Circuit Court, and Friend of the Court collection matters. The Chippewa County Office of the Public Defender is located in historic Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and is currently accepting applications for the role of Deputy Public Defender. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/13/25 

Assistant Public Defender III - Ottawa County - Under the direction of the Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders, serves to provide exceptional legal representation on behalf of indigent adult criminal defendants charged with all levels of felonies and misdemeanors.  Will also mentor less experienced attorneys in the office and work in a team oriented office. This is a full-time, benefited position. Pending cases are assigned in the Ottawa County Courts with two office locations, one in Holland, MI and one in Grand Haven, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 11/13/25 

Assistant Public Defender I - Port Huron - Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, the Office of the St. Clair County Public Defender is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Public Defender. This successful candidate for this entry level position will handle a misdemeanor caseload and be assigned arraignment responsibilities. For more the details, click here.  first emailed 10/1/25