Chief of Staff Attorney

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CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Chief of Staff Attorney

SALARY:

$117,914.11 - $152,512.06

DEPARTMENT:

Prosecuting Attorney

Opening Date:

08/24/2026

Closing Date:

08/31/2026 12:00 a.m.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Serving at the will and pleasure of the Prosecuting Attorney, and under direction of the Prosecuting Attorney and/or the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, manages, coordinates, and oversees the administrative, personnel and operational functions of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This position provides high-level supervision and policy oversight for attorneys and ensures consistent application of office policies, procedures, and performance standards; and supports the Prosecuting Attorney in the efficient and effective operation of the office. The Chief of Staff Attorney exercises a high degree of independent judgment in matters involving personnel administration, staffing allocations, and internal operations.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-will

CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises and provides direction to assigned Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys and support staff with departmental expectations, work assignments, and compliance with office policies and procedures.

Ensures supervisors and managers assign and evaluate the work of Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys and support staff in accordance with office policies, procedures, and performance standards.  Enforces office policies and ensures staff understanding of procedures, performance standards, and policy violations.

Oversees staffing assignments across all divisions and units of the office, including circuit court and district court courtroom coverage, specialty assignments, rotations schedules, and reassignment of personnel as operational needs require.

Oversees legal performance standards and evaluates attorney compliance with legal, ethical, and professional expectations.

Provides legal leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Prosecuting Attorneys on complex legal issues, case strategy, charging decisions, and trial preparation.

Administers and manages the office disciplinary process, including review and investigation of alleged policy violations, documentation of findings, and recommendation or implementation of corrective or disciplinary action in coordination with Human Resources and Labor Relations.

Assists the Prosecuting Attorney and Chief Assistant Prosecutor in developing, implementing, and enforcing office policies, procedures, and operational directives.

Reviews attorney caseloads and workload distribution to support managers and unit chiefs with appropriate staffing levels and operational efficiency.

Monitors performance issues, operational challenges and participates in personnel decisions regarding corrective action, employee development and organizational improvements.

Oversees personnel processes, including recruitment, hiring and selection, onboarding and orientation, offboarding, employee separation, and termination, in coordination with Human Resources and Labor Relations and in compliance with collective bargaining agreements and applicable laws.

Reviews training, onboarding, and professional development activities for attorneys and staff to ensure consistent understanding of office policies, expectations, and workflow practices.

Acts as a liaison between the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and courts, law enforcement agencies, county departments, and external partners on matters relating to office operations, personnel coordination, and policy application.

Represents the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at meetings, administrative hearings, and work groups as assigned.

Assists in long-range planning related to staffing needs, budget and resource allocation, and organizational structure.

Maintains confidential records and information and exercises discretion in personnel, legal, and administrative matters.

Operates an automobile while performing assigned job duties.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited college or university

• Five (5) years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Current membership in good standing in the State Bar of Michigan

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Criminal and civil law and related court procedures and practices

• Court procedures and practices

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, discipline, and performance evaluation

• County governance structure and applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements

• Departmental policies, procedures, and operational practices

• Confidential record-keeping requirements and legal ethics applicable to prosecuting attorneys

• Criminal law case management systems, such as Prosecutor by Karpel

• Digital evidence management systems, such as Axon Evidence.com

Skill in:

• Supervising, assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing the work of attorneys and staff

• Written and oral communication, including preparation of reports, correspondence, and policy materials

• Organization, time management, and problem-solving in a complex operational environment

• Advanced legal research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify relevant legal issues, analyze complex legal authorities, and synthesize research findings into clear, actionable legal guidance

• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, judges, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, staff, and the public

Ability to:

• Ability to supervise, direct and organize the work of others

• Exercise independent judgment and make decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established policies and procedures

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, co-workers, court staff, clients and the public

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

• Effectively speak, write, and understand the English language

• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign

• Lead, train, and mentor attorneys and staff

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries, and strict confidentiality of personnel, legal, and case-related information

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 Pathogens: N/S 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously 

Demand: 

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S 

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): O  

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S 

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): N/S 

Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S 

Digging:  N/S 

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: N/S 

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O 

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S 

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C 

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another:  

Up to 10 pounds: O 

Up to 50 pounds: N/S 

More than 50 pounds: N/S 

Over 100 pounds: N/S 

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O 

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O 

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C 

Standing in an upright position without movement: O 

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O 

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS 

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes. 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.   

The Technical, Professional, and Officeworkers Association of Michigan -TPOAM (Supervisors) bargaining unit represents this position. Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.