Fellow-Fixed Term

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University College of Law invites applications for a one-year Public Defender Clinic Fellowship. The fellowship combines clinical teaching in fall and spring with summer public defense leadership, supervising students across Michigan and co-teaching seminars.

During the summer, the fellow collaborates with Muskegon County Public Defender on a research project, presents findings to public defense leaders, and publishes practical guidance for defenders and policymakers.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan or eligibility.
• At least two years of practice experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students in indigent defense work during the fellowship.
• Co-teach seminar classes and evaluate students.
• Contribute to public defense advocacy projects and program development.
• Collaborate with Michigan public defenders and court partners.

Skills

Legal writing

Criminal defense

Education

JD (ABA-accredited)

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Position Summary

MSU College of Law is accepting applications for a one-year fellowship in the Public Defender Clinic. The fellowship is open to talented and dedicated individuals with at least two years’ practice experience who are interested in careers in clinical law teaching and/or public defense leadership.

The Public Defender Clinic provides a well-supervised and academically rigorous opportunity for second- and third-year law students to learn the practice of law. The caseload consists primarily of preconviction appellate representation, including prosecutor appeals from dismissal or defense interlocutory appeals from adverse pretrial rulings. Under close faculty supervision, students review court records, meet with clients, write appellate briefs, present oral argument in the Michigan Court of Appeals, and appear with local counsel in trial courts. Most cases involve constitutional questions such as the lawfulness of traffic stops, searches, or interrogations, or the protection of double jeopardy or speedy trial rights. The nature and scope of this representation provides a uniquely valuable educational experience for law students. More information is available at https://law.msu.edu/clinics-centers-institutes/clinics/public-defender.

The Public Defender Clinic Fellowship is divided into two components: clinical teaching during the fall and spring semesters followed by public defense leadership during the summer. During the academic year, the fellow will supervise students in the representation of indigent clients throughout Michigan, co‑teach seminar classes, evaluate students, provide consultation and support to indigent defense systems, contribute to public defense advocacy projects, and participate in the general development and functioning of the Public Defender Clinic. For fellows interested in law teaching careers, the law school will support scholarly development including research, faculty workshops, and conference travel.

During the summer, the fellow will work in partnership with the Muskegon County Public Defender on a research project that identifies and proposes innovative solutions to a complex policy problem in the delivery of indigent defense services. The fellow will present their findings to public defense leaders throughout Michigan and publish a white paper or journal article providing practical, actionable guidance to public defenders, leaders, and policy makers.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal – Law (JD)

Minimum Requirements

• Must had a JD degree from an ABA‑accredited law school
• Membership in or eligibility for admission to the State Bar of Michigan

Desired Qualifications

• Experience representing indigent individuals in criminal cases
• A demonstrated commitment to indigent defense
• Strong academic records
• Strong writing abilities

Required Application Materials

CV or resume, cover letter, and three professional references.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/19/2026

Website

www.law.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree‑granting colleges.