Client Advocate - NDS Detroit

Overview

The Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) Detroit is building a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County. The Criminal Defense Practice represents residents charged with felonies who cannot afford a lawyer. NDS emphasizes client-centered representation before arrest, during pending cases, and after conclusions, addressing legal and social service needs while treating clients with dignity and respect.

The Client Advocate is an integral part of the defense team who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities. The Client Advocate helps shape a collaborative culture of excellence and ensures representation of indigent clients with rigor and commitment.

• Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and provide vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to residents of Wayne County.
• Work closely with team members to advocate for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration, including:
  • Gather factual mitigation through interviews and records;
  • Analyze records;
  • Research and recommend alternatives to incarceration;
  • Write pre-pleading memoranda to judges and prosecutors seeking reduced sentences and ATIs.
• Work closely with clients to:
  • Make appropriate referrals to address social service needs (drug treatment, mental health treatment, housing, benefits);
  • Assist clients in navigating social service agencies;
  • Advocate on behalf of clients to social service programs and to judges, prosecutors, and district officials;
• Work primarily at NDS’s main office when not in court.

• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and Wayne County communities.
• Doggedness, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships across diverse identities, incomes, races, and ethnicities.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) encouraged to apply.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided. Salary range: $53,255.48–$90,666.78. The salary, benefits, and employment policies are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample as one document (preferably PDF). For more information about NDS, visit http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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-conforming, and gender-fluid people to apply.