Description:

Overview:
The Neighborhood Defender Service is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office in Detroit, Michigan and we are expanding our services. We invite you to join our team as we expand our Housing Defense Practice, where our goal is to decrease housing insecurity and safeguard our clients' right to secure and/or maintain stable housing while combating the destabilization and disintegration of Detroit's diverse communities. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality legal representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to the residents of the City of Detroit. We are seeking a highly organized, self-driven, and resilient individual dedicated to our mission.

NDS Detroit adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients' while a case is pending and after the case concludes. NDS Detroit is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients while treating each client with dignity and respect.

The ideal Housing Defense Attorney is an experienced attorney who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, preferably with experience in a public defender office or fast-paced legal services organization. The Housing Defense 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 Housing Defense Attorney approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

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.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will bring:

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.
Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) individuals are encouraged to apply.

Salary Range Based on Transferable Experience

1-5 Years

$78,794.69– 85,511.20

6-10 Years

$89,615.27– 98,806.58

11 – 15 Years

$101,104.41– 105,859.64

16 Years +

$105,997.93(about $1k for Each Additional Year)

The Salary, Benefits, and Employment Policies Relevant to This Position Are Governed by The Cba Between Nds and The Nds Union, Part of Alaa Uaw 2325.

How to Apply:
Interested Applicants Should Submit a Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Sample with Their Application as One Document, Preferably Pdf. for More Information About Nds, Please Visit Our Website at Http://www.Ndsdetroit.Org.

The Neighborhood Defender Service Is Committed to Creating a Diverse Environment that Reflects the Community We Serve. Nds Is Proud to Be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified Applicants Are Encouraged to Apply and Will Receive Consideration for Employment without Regard to Race, Religion, Gender, Gender Identity or Expression, Sexual Orientation, National Origin, Genetics, Disability, Age, or Veteran Status. Nds Encourages People with Incarcerated Loved Ones, Formerly Incarcerated People, People of Color, Women, Queer, Transgender, Gender Non-Confirming , and Gender Fluid People to Apply.

Min

Usd $78,794.69/yr.

Max
Usd $122,912.49/yr.