Staff Attorney – Housing Defense

About the role

NDS is a national nonprofit public defense organization dedicated to challenging the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. We operate community-based offices in Detroit and Hays County, Texas, providing client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Cook up 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.
• Represent 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 case notes 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 client referrals.

Requirements

• A demonstrated commitment to indigent defense, racial equity, housing and social justice issues, involving the City of Detroit.
• Admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan.
• 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.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word and OneDrive.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience working with low-income individuals and communities.
• Experience with legal research and writing.
• Experience with legal advocacy and litigation.
• Experience with community outreach and collaboration.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

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

The current salary range for this position is $78,794.69 - $122,912.49. 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.

Schedule

Full-time position.