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Neighborhood Defender Service · 3 months ago

Staff Attorney (Criminal Practice) - NDS Detroit

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$79K/yr - $123K/yr

1+ years exp

Neighborhood Defender Service is building a community-based, client-centered public defense office in Wayne County. They are seeking a Staff Attorney to provide holistic representation for residents charged with felony crimes, ensuring a commitment to client-centered advocacy and excellence in legal representation.

CharityLegalNon Profit

Culture & Values

Responsibilities

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

Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, preliminary conferences & examinations, legal arguments, hearings & trials, and sentencings

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

Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators)

Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration defense/civil defense/family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients

File motions, briefs and other related documents on a frequent, timely basis

Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations, hearings, and trials in criminal cases

Work primarily at NDS’ main office when not in Court

Qualification

Criminal defense experienceTrial experienceLegal researchClient-centered representationOral advocacyOrganizational skillsManagement skillsCoaching mindsetCommitment to social justiceBilingual (Spanish/Arabic)Effective communication

Required

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

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

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

Management skills and a coaching mindset

Doggedness and resilience combined with people and situation smarts

An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities

A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload

Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing

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