Job Description

Purpose/Description

Wayne County’s Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD) is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in trial-level criminal defense representation for indigent defendantsand ensuring equal access to justice. The Department is funded through annual grants from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and is responsible for the administration of the county’s entire indigent defense system. Approximately 50% of felony case assignments are managed by a roster of more than 200 private assigned counsels who have been qualified by the IDSD Attorney Assignment Committee and categorized into four tiers based on case complexity. The remaining 50% of assignments are handled by Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), the County’s public defense vendor.

The Director of Indigent Defense Services provides leadership and oversight of the Department, which serves as a central component of Wayne County’s administrative framework for indigent defense services. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Department, including supervision of Department personnel, administration and management of funding, policy development, and leadership of a comprehensive county-wide criminal defense system designed to ensure the effective assistance of counsel for indigent individuals charged with felony offenses.

The Director leads and oversees policies and procedures (development, implementation and adherence) to ensure compliance with MIDC Standards and applicable law, as well as collaborates closely with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and its staff; the Wayne County Commission; other County departments; Third Circuit Court, 25 district and municipal courts within Wayne County.

Workday Activities

Required Tasks

• Leads development and administration of a comprehensive compensation system for all public defense vendors, including assigned counsel, investigators, experts, and training providers, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Directs grant strategy and administration supporting the IDSD, Public Defender Office (PDO), and assigned counsel system, aligning funding with operational and policy objectives.
• Collaborates with justice system stakeholders to advance funding strategies and policy initiatives that strengthen the administration of justice and ensure compliance with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards.
• Prepares and/or oversees preparation and submission of all required reports and funding requests, including those to the MIDC, Wayne County, and the Third Circuit Court.
• Provides strategic oversight of training, professional development, and community engagement initiatives for the indigent defense system, in partnership with the PDO.
• Negotiates and manages contractual relationships with Wayne County’s Public Defender Office, ensuring performance, accountability, and alignment with system goals.
• Sets and drives organizational vision and culture, fostering a high-performing, mission-driven workforce.
• Continuously evaluates and optimizes organizational structure, aligning resources and personnel with evolving indigent defense reform priorities.
• Partners with the Wayne County Office of Corporation Counsel to advance strategic initiatives, manage legal risk, and support organizational objectives.
• Leads and represents the department in internal and external workgroups, serving as a key liaison on indigent defense reform efforts at the local, state, and national levels.

Educational/ Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Licensed Attorney in good standing in the State of Michigan.
• At least 8 years of experience practicing law, with at least 3 years of experience in criminal law.
• Preferred 10 years of practicing law, with at least 5 years in criminal law.
• Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership experience overseeing and directing multiple staff members, or experience leading a team within the criminal justice system.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing and managing budgets, and data-driven operations, including performance metrics.
• Strong proficiency in public policy advocacy preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of various stakeholders, in public or non-public arenas.
• Public sector administrative experience preferred.