Staff Attorney – Capital Trial

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc•Detroit, MI

2d•$78,795 - $122,912•Onsite

About The Position

The Capital Trial Staff Attorney demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities and an enthusiasm for holistic defense. The ideal Staff Attorney is an experienced felony trial attorney who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, preferably with experience in a public defender office, in a public interest organization, or in the indigent criminal defense context. The Staff Attorney will help shape our present and future—contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our ideal Staff Attorney approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

Requirements

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.
A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and the Wayne County communities.
A minimum of three (3) years of legal experience and a license to practice law in Michigan.
Experience representing clients in criminal cases and knowledge of criminal procedure from arraignments to appeals is 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.
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.
Outside practice of law is prohibited.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual (Spanish or Arabic) attorneys are encouraged to apply.

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.