Staff Attorney- Detroit Office Survivor Law Project

The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (“MCEDSV”) is Michigan’s catalyst for creating empowered and transformed individuals, communities, and societies committed to building a lasting legacy of equality, peace and social justice, where domestic and sexual violence no longer exists. MCEDSV’s survivor law clinic is an innovative small group of attorneys dedicated to insuring the rights of sexual assault and human trafficking survivors are enforced through high level dedicated trauma informed lawyering.  This is an excellent opportunity for a new attorney wishing to work with experts in this field and receive mentorship and guidance on how to be a social justice lawyer.

MCEDSV is pleased to announce that it seeks to hire a dynamic attorney who is committed to supporting victims of sexual assault in wraparound civil legal matters.  This is an opportunity for a committed attorney with initiative, commitment and professionalism dedicated to social justice. This position is located in the City of Detroit.

Applicants must possess a law degree from an accredited institution and either be licensed in Michigan or be eligible to take the July 2023 bar exam. Preferred candidates will have three years’ experience working with marginalized and victimized populations in the context of providing civil legal or social services, or in the context of serving in prosecution or indigent defense. In-state and limited national travel is required; attorneys must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Among other duties as assigned, the Staff Attorneys in this project will:

• Have a passion and understanding of insuring the individual client is treated with dignity and respect and is excited to work and learn collaboratively including understanding the value of non-attorney advocacy.
• Understand the complex legal systems that victims of crime come in contact with and be willing to engage in advocacy at any and all points
• Interview victims of crime in a manner sensitive to the trauma they may have experienced and attuned to honoring their choices;
• Be willing to engage in thorough research and brief writing;
• Be willing to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards;
• Provide legal services including legal research and factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services and document preparation, and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedings;
• Engage in the highest professional level of recordkeeping and research and writing. This includes the ability to research new fields of law and argue in the alternative.
• Provide accurate and complete information for grant reporting to grant funders including documenting services in the case record;
• Attend training required by the grant and by MCEDSV;
• Actively participate in staff committees or task forces focused on services for victims;
• Develop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations and with local, state, and federal governments and community agencies that serve our client population, including those serving persons with disabilities, older adults, and other special needs; and
• Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization, and commitment to the position and the MCEDSV
• MCEDSV is committed to the professional development of a new attorney; new staff will be asked to engage in professional development opportunities including state and national overnight travel.

Salary and Reporting Requirements: Salary is $60,000-65,000. MCEDSV offers a generous benefits package.  ICEDSV also has a generous sick, leave and holiday policy. MCEDSV is committed to professional development-these are ideal positions for attorneys who want to work in complex litigation with extensive supports. Position reports to the Managing Attorney for the Survivor Law Clinic.

MCEDSV seeks and supports a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural work place for the benefit of our organization, our work, and our movement to end gender-based violence. We strongly encourage applicants from racially or ethnically diverse communities, LGBT communities and individuals with disabilities to apply. Michigan offers an affordable cost of living and access to some of the most stunning natural resources on the planet. According to Zillow, Michigan’s average cost for a single-family home is $151,700. The Great Lakes offer breathtaking views and the longest chain of freshwater sand dunes in the world. The City of Detroit was recently ranked one of America’s most fun cities by Thrillist. In addition, U.S. News and World Report recently listed four Michigan cities among the best places to  live in the United States. All of the locations for these positions offer quick access to both outdoor recreation and cultural activities.

Interested applicants should send resume, cover letter and writing sample to:  sarah.proutrennie@mcedsv.org