Staff Attorney

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the residents of Wayne County.
2. Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, preliminary conferences & examinations, legal arguments, hearings & trials, and sentencings.
3. Interview clients and their families in the office or local jails, conduct legal research and write pre-pleading letters, motions and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients.
4. Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators).
5. Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration defense/civil defense/family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
6. File motions, briefs and other related documents on a frequent, timely basis.
7. Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations, hearings, and trials in criminal cases.
8. Work primarily at NDS’ main office when not in Court.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will bring: 

1. A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and the Wayne County communities.

2.       At least 3 years of experience representing clients in criminal cases and knowledge of criminal procedure from arraignments to appeals (strongly preferred but not required). Candidates with trial experience, particularly as lead counsel in the most serious felony cases, is a must.

3. A track record of strategically guiding casework, projects and/or relationships; applying good and practiced judgment; and routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve your goals.
4. Management skills and a coaching mindset.
5. Doggedness and resilience combined with people and situation smarts.
6. An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities.
7. A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
8. Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
9. A license to practice law in Michigan or in another state; and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within six months. Attorneys admitted to the Michigan Bar with experience in the criminal courts of Wayne County (and Michigan generally) are strongly encouraged to apply.
10. Bi-lingual (Spanish or Arabic) attorneys are encouraged to apply.

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as retirement plan with company match, robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided. The salary range for this position is $60,562.50 – 111,452.50.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample when submitting their application. Please send your application as one document, preferably PDF. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at http://www.ndsdetroit.org. 

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply.