Neighborhood Defender Service · 4 hours ago
Staff Attorney (Housing Practice) - NDS Detroit
Detroit, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$79K/yr - $123K/yr
1+ years expNeighborhood Defender Service is a community-based public defense office in Detroit, Michigan, expanding its Housing Defense Practice. The Staff Attorney will provide legal representation to clients facing housing insecurity, engage in court appearances, and coordinate with team members to ensure comprehensive legal outcomes.
CharityLegalNon Profit
Responsibilities
Embody NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence
Provide vigorous advocacy work with energy and enthusiasm to clients and their families in the City of Detroit who face housing insecurity
Perform client intakes, complete the Housing Defense Intake form, Legal Analysis Summary, Retainer Agreement and Client Income Attestation, complete and file Appearance with the court as necessary
Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including legal arguments, hearings, and trials
File motions, briefs, and other pleadings and make oral arguments in-person and virtually on a frequent, timely basis
Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations, hearings, and trials
Advocate for clients to access and obtain benefits, subsidies, and other services to resolve Housing Court proceedings
Interview clients by phone, in person and through virtual means, conduct legal research and write pre-pleading letters, emails, pleadings, motions, and memoranda on behalf of clients
Coordinate work performed by team members (social worker, client advocates, and team administrator)
Work with cross-practice colleagues (criminal/civil defense) to obtain positive and comprehensive legal outcomes for clients
Perform community outreach representing NDS Detroit Housing Defense at community-based initiatives on housing issues on a bi-weekly basis
Contribute ideas in the development of forms, processes, and procedures to implement within the housing defense team
Meet reporting requirements entering case notes in client database for each client daily, submitting daily work log to the team administrator and supervising attorney daily
Scan, upload and save court forms and other case documents to client files daily
Identify community resources/agencies and for client referrals
Qualification
Required
Experience as an attorney, preferably in a public defender office or fast-paced legal services organization
Commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities
Ability to engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, preliminary conferences & examinations, legal arguments, hearings & trials, and sentencings
Strong legal research and writing skills for pre-pleading letters, motions, and pre-sentencing memoranda
Experience in coordinating work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators)
Effective oral advocacy skills in negotiations, hearings, and trials
Ability to perform client intakes and complete necessary legal documentation
Experience in advocating for clients to access and obtain benefits, subsidies, and other services
Ability to conduct interviews with clients by phone, in person, and through virtual means
Experience in community outreach representing housing defense at community-based initiatives
Ability to meet reporting requirements and maintain accurate case documentation
Benefits
Full medical and dental benefits
Retirement plan with company match
Robust time off perks
Paid parental leave
Company
Neighborhood Defender Service
Neighborhood Defender Service offers family, criminal, civil, immigration defense, and youth law services.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Andrea Bridgewater
Chief Operating Officer
Shannon Anglero
Chief Advancement Officer
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