Neighborhood Defender Service · 23 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, client-centered public defense office in Detroit, Michigan, expanding its Housing Defense Practice. The Housing Defense Attorney will advocate for clients facing housing insecurity, providing legal representation and support while contributing to a collaborative office culture.
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 casenotes 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
A demonstrated commitment to indigent defense, racial equity, housing and social justice issues, involving the City of Detroit
Experience with landlord/tenant, subsidized housing, and foreclosures
Knowledge regarding rapidly changing executive orders and agency policies, particularly eviction moratoriums and eviction diversion programs, both state and federal
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
An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities
A high level of organizational, time management, and administrative skills
Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
Ability to empathize and show compassion for clients in crisis
Admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan
Professional demeanor, appearance and decorum when engaging clients and stakeholders
Preferred
Experience in a public defender office or fast-paced legal services organization
Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) individuals are encouraged to apply
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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