Law Clerk: Indigent Defense with Holistic Impact

Kalamazoo Defender; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage

Retirement program (403(b) and Roth)

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

HSA available

Parental leave

Job summary

Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time Law Clerk to provide indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts. You will manage a misdemeanor caseload under supervision, cover arraignment shifts, meet with clients, negotiate with prosecutors, and litigate cases as necessary while practicing under Michigan Court Rule 8.120.

Embracing a holistic, client-centered approach, the Law Clerk will work as part of a multidisciplinary defense team, demonstrating a commitment to indigent defense

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate completed within the past 12 months and eligibility to practice law under supervision pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.120.
• Compelling references and solid performance in law school and internships.
• Strong commitment to Kalamazoo Defender's mission and serving diverse populations.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, those struggling with addiction, and those experiencing mental health crises.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate files and timely case notes.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for indigent clients in Kalamazoo County courts, focusing on misdemeanor cases, under the supervision of the Misdemeanor Supervisor.
• Participate in weekly arraignment dockets, including client interactions and court appearances.
• Adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance.
• Engage in continuing legal education and participate in internal training opportunities.
• Meet with clients promptly, identifying their goals and special needs, and making referrals to Village services and collaborating with the defense team when appropriate.
• Review charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery materials to develop case strategies.
• Identify areas of the case that need further investigation and coordinate with the Chief Defender to employ investigators or experts.
• Research legal issues and litigate as necessary.
• Negotiate with the prosecution and communicate developments with clients.
• Prepare for and litigate cases in trial, handling all legal issues that arise, in collaboration with the Misdemeanor Supervisor.
• Maintain availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participate in training programs; maintain current knowledge of appropriate support functions.
• Maintain accurate, complete and well-organized electronic case files.
• Participate in or administer legal clinics held in community forums.
• Maintain open communication with all members of the defense team, including Paralegals, Client Navigators, Mitigation Specialists, Investigators, and Reception.
• Embrace a holistic, client-centered approach for criminal defense.
• Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense.
• Perform any other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the defense team.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Diversity & inclusion

Confidentiality & integrity

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time Law Clerk to provide indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts. You will manage a misdemeanor caseload under supervision, cover arraignment shifts, meet with clients, negotiate with prosecutors, and litigate cases as necessary while practicing under Michigan Court Rule 8.120.

Embracing a holistic, client-centered approach, the Law Clerk will work as part of a multidisciplinary defense team, demonstrating a commitment to indigent defense