APD: Motions & Appeals Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Public Defender: Motions & Appeals Specialist

Salary Range: $128,500 - $137,096

Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach, employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address additional needs beyond their legal case. In collaboration with our robust network of area service providers, we aim to connect our clients to relevant support services.   

We fight for justice in the courts, care in the community, and dignity in the world. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system. Our job is to be their zealous defender in the face of these systemic barriers, fighting for them in court, organizing care for them in our community, and advocating for their inherent dignity in the broader world.

THE JOB:

Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time attorney to serve as a Motions and Appeals Specialist. This position focuses on developing and implementing policies, procedures, and practices to advance our appellate and motion work throughout Michigan courts. Responsibilities include handling appeals, coordinating motion practices, and training staff to elevate the quality of indigent defense. While this role does not carry an independent caseload, the attorney will actively support the entire legal staff and design and lead monthly training sessions.  Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Defender, the person in this role will work closely with the attorney leadership, collaborating to establish and share best practices across the team. 

This role requires a deep commitment to the holistic defense model, zealous representation of clients, and maintaining strong communication with multidisciplinary defense team members.  The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Michigan appeals process, a passion for written advocacy, and a commitment to educating others to enhance the effectiveness of their motions and appeals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide and demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts.

• Manage all appeals involving Kalamazoo Defender.

• Stay current on legal developments and collaborate with attorney leadership to share updates with fellow Defenders.

• Develop best practices for drafting motions and train fellow attorneys on effective techniques.

• Consult with and assist other Defenders on case-specific motion issues, including motions in limine and other motion issues that emerge during trial.

• Consult with and assist other Defenders at case-discussion meetings.

• Create, maintain, and update an internally accessible motion bank for colleague Defenders.

• Conduct training sessions on legal-related topics in coordination with attorney leadership.

• Exhibit a strong passion for, and proficiency in, written advocacy on behalf of clients.

• Research, draft, and prepare persuasive motions, legal briefs, and appellate filings on behalf of clients, while also reviewing and strengthening written advocacy developed by fellow Defenders.

• Develop and implement strategic approaches to motions and appeals that advance clients' legal interests and expressed goals while supporting Kalamazoo Defender's commitment to holistic, client-centered representation.

• Develop and/or update timelines and checklists to aid in the proper filing of appeals and motions.

• Engage in continuing legal education.

• Adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized electronic case files/notes.

• Handle weekly arraignment docket shifts assigned.

• Collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists, client navigators, reception staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary defense team to support holistic, client-centered representation.

• Perform any other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the defense team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Juris Doctorate with licensure in good standing to practice in the State of Michigan.

• At least two years of criminal law practice as a public defender, prosecutor, or private criminal defense attorney.

• Quantitative Trial Experience
  • Experience as lead trial counsel, or an active second chair managing a significant portion of the trial, in at least four felony criminal cases that have been submitted to a jury; or
  • Significant record of consistently high-quality trial court representation and the ability to handle a life offense case.

• Qualitative Trial Experience: extensive experience litigating cases, with substantial high-quality criminal trial experience.

• Experience in writing motions and appeals is strongly desired.

• Thorough knowledge of:
  • Michigan procedures and practices regarding the practice of law.
  • Functions, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of Kalamazoo Defender.
  • Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and report presentation.

• Experience handling cases involving substantial electronic discovery.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Strong commitment to Kalamazoo Defender’s mission and values.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, including the ability to recognize discrepancies, carefully check work, and understand the potential impact of errors.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with dependable follow-through and the ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.

• Proficiency in keyboarding, Microsoft Office, and other basic office technologies, with comfort learning and working with new software, systems, and technology tools.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, those struggling with addiction, and those experiencing mental health crises.

• Ability to prioritize work tasks while working both collaboratively and independently.

• Commitment to cultural awareness, maintaining professionalism, ensuring confidentiality, and acting with compassion and integrity.

BENEFITS:

• Health care coverage including medical, dental, and vision, with employee premiums covered 100%.
• Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental benefits including voluntary life, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.
• Retirement program offering both 403(b) and Roth options with employer match of 5 times employee contributions up to 5%.
• Five weeks of paid time off (pro-rated for start date), paid holiday closures, and additional paid parental leave program.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Health Advocate services, available to all household members.
• Optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA).
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available with eligible high-deductible health plan.
• Kalamazoo Defender is a Michigan Tri-Share participating Qualifying employees may be eligible for childcare assistance, with costs shared between the employee, the employer, and the state.
• An opportunity to work with like-minded, mission-driven individuals in a dynamic and innovative holistic legal program, backed by a county capable of maximizing Kalamazoo Defender's mission.

 
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Kalamazoo Defender is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination in any form against employees, employee applicants, directors, board members, interns, clients, volunteers, vendors, or any other individuals associated with our organization.

We prohibit discrimination based on race, including hairstyles associated with race such as braids, locs, twists, afros, cornrows, Bantu knots, etc., sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, including clothing associated with religion such as hijabs, turbans, etc., national origin (ancestry), citizenship status, age, height, weight, pregnancy, ability, socio-economic background or circumstances, military or veteran status, marital or partnership status, genetic predisposition, carrier status, or body art, including piercings and tattoos.

We are committed to maintaining a workplace and environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and will comply with and aim to surpass antidiscrimination policies set forth by local, state, and federal laws protecting against such actions.

Kalamazoo Defender values diversity and strives to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and full authentic selves into the space.

HOW TO APPLY:

Kalamazoo Defender is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Please submit your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references by October 30th, 2026. Please redact any identifying information if submitting a previous motion as a writing sample.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the HR Department directly.

Email: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Phone: View phone number on ziprecruiter.com

Address: 151 S. Rose Street, Ste 200
Kalamazoo, MI 49007