Public Benefits Support Attorney

Michigan Advocacy Program • Ypsilanti, MI

394d • $72,520 - $72,520

About The Position

The Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) is seeking a Public Benefits Support Attorney to lead impact litigation and advocacy efforts for low-income families in Michigan. This role involves strategic legal support, collaboration with community organizations, and the development of legislative initiatives to enhance public benefits access.

Requirements

• J.D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Michigan
• Minimum 5 years legal experience
• Experience or background in public benefits law
• Demonstrated litigation experience, appellate experience and/or policy advocacy experience
• Demonstrated ability to work with client groups, community-based groups, and coalitions
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational skills, strategic thinker, and creative
• Commitment to MSAS/MPLP's mission to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions

Responsibilities

• Engage in impact litigation and appellate work
• Identify, develop, and lead legislative and administrative advocacy and litigation strategies in public benefits law
• Identify ways in which to challenge racialized systems and practices
• Provide legal and technical support to legislators, policymakers, community organizations, legal services attorneys, and other poverty law advocates on public benefit issues
• Help build, lead, and collaborate with coalitions of community and grassroots organizations
• Lead and coordinate coalitions and advisory groups statewide around public benefit issues in collaboration with advocacy partners
• Support legal services attorneys, poverty law advocates and pro bono attorneys through research, case consultation, litigation support, and co-counseling cases
• Offer trainings to legal aid advocates and other poverty advocates
• Lead quarterly statewide public benefits task force meetings
• Lead teams on specific advocacy projects, and produce community legal education materials on public benefits law

Benefits

• Salary starting at $72,520 based on years of relevant experience
• Generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts
• Option for an annual $1,500 payout if health benefits are not required
• Generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays
• 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree