Staff Attorney – Capital Trial

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Cookordination 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.

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.
• An attorney admitted to the Michigan Bar with experience in the criminal courts of Wayne County (and Michigan generally) is strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.

Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and the Wayne County communities.
• 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.

Skills

• Strategic guidance of casework, projects and/or relationships.
• Good and practiced judgment.
• Routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve goals.

Benefits

• Full medical and dental benefits.
• Retirement plan with company match up to 5%.
• Robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits.

Pay

$78,794.69/Yr. - $122,912.49/Yr.

Schedule

N/A