Racial Justice Attorney (Ypsilanti, MI)

Michigan Advocacy Program • Ypsilanti, MI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic attorney to take a lead role in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and coalition-building to advance a statewide race equity and justice agenda. This role will address structural racism in laws, policies, and practices that lead to and perpetuate poverty in communities of color. The Racial Justice Attorney will engage in impact litigation and collaborate with MPLP's support attorneys, other legal aid programs, and community partners to develop and advance a racial justice agenda within civil legal services and poverty law advocacy.

Requirements

• J.D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Michigan
• Minimum 5 years legal experience
• Ability to assume significant leadership in impact litigation and advocacy campaigns
• Demonstrated litigation experience, appellate experience
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and knowledge of the body of law that provides potential claims to challenge racial injustice and disparities in the poverty law context
• Experience or background in a legal aid, civil rights, or other relevant social justice organization
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients’ 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
• Lived personal experience of racism and racial injustice
• Ability to facilitate and participate in challenging and uncomfortable conversations around race and systemic racism
• Commitment to MAP’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 litigation strategies, legislative and administrative advocacy to advance a poverty law-focused race equity and justice agenda in Michigan
• 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 racial justice issues in the context of poverty law
• Work collaboratively with MPLP support attorneys to incorporate a racial justice lens and anti-racism strategies in their areas of substantive advocacy
• Help build and support coalitions of community and grassroots groups engaged in race equity and anti-racism advocacy
• Respond to and work with media on racial justice issues and on the intersection of systemic racism and poverty
• Write amicus briefs, reports, policy briefs and advocacy manuals as well as shorter advocacy and educational materials and practical information for advocates, policymakers and other key stakeholders
• Represent MPLP’s race equity and justice policy interests in public forums, including legislative and rulemaking hearings and serve on relevant statewide and national task forces

Benefits

• life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• health insurance
• vision insurance
• dental insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• annual $1,500 payout (if applicant does not require health benefits)
• generous leave policy (3 weeks paid vacation the first year)
• 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: Senior