Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States · On-site
Our Vision: A community that prioritizes love, compassion, and equity over judgment, shame, and division. Law Clerk Salary: $74,189 Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal represe…
Skills: Legal Representation, Case Management, Litigation, Legal Research, Negotiation
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Provide legal representation for indigent clients in misdemeanor cases within Kalamazoo County courts. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, conducting arraignments, negotiating with prosecutors, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary defense team.
Requires a Juris Doctorate received within the past 12 months and eligibility to practice under Michigan Court Rule 8.120. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to indigent defense and the ability to work with diverse, vulnerable populations.
Our Vision: A community that prioritizes love, compassion, and equity over judgment, shame, and division.
Law Clerk
Salary: $74,189
Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach, employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address additional needs beyond their legal case. In collaboration with our robust network of area service providers, we aim to connect our clients with relevant support services.
We fight for justice in the courts, care in the community, and dignity in the world. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system. Our job is to be their zealous defender in the face of these systemic barriers, fighting for them in court, organizing care for them in our community, and advocating for their inherent dignity in the broader world.
THE JOB:
Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time, dedicated Law Clerk to provide indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts. In this role, you will manage a misdemeanor caseload under the supervision of the Misdemeanor Supervisor. Responsibilities include covering arraignment shifts, meeting with clients, negotiating with prosecutors, and litigating cases as necessary while practicing under Michigan Court Rule 8.120. The law clerk will participate in training, maintain detailed case notes, and adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance. This position is intended to allow for practice as eligible under MCR 8.120 which allows for practice for up to one year from the date of law school graduation.
Embracing a holistic, client-centered approach, the Law Clerk will work as part of a multidisciplinary defense team, demonstrating a commitment to indigent defense while receiving mentorship and guidance from more senior attorneys and contributing to the overall success of the team. Candidates are expected to prepare for and take the bar exam at the next available opportunity if not already admitted. After passing the Michigan Bar and becoming licensed, this position will automatically convert to an Assistant Public Defender I (APD I).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Preferred:
BENEFITS:
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
Kalamazoo Defender is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination in any form against employees, employee applicants, directors, board members, interns, clients, volunteers, vendors, or any other individuals associated with our organization. We prohibit discrimination based on race, including hairstyles associated with race such as braids, locs, twists, afros, cornrows, Bantu knots, etc., sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, including clothing associated with religion such as hijabs, turbans, etc., national origin (ancestry), citizenship status, age, height, weight, pregnancy, ability, socio-economic background or circumstances, military or veteran status, marital or partnership status, genetic predisposition, carrier status, or body art, including piercings and tattoos.
We are committed to maintaining a workplace and environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and will comply with and aim to surpass antidiscrimination policies set forth by local, state, and federal laws protecting against such actions.
Kalamazoo Defender values diversity and strives to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and full authentic selves into the space.
HOW TO APPLY:
Kalamazoo Defender is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and transcript.
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the HR Department directly.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 269-250-5000
Address: 151 S. Rose Street Ste 200,
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
We provide our clients zealous legal defense and opportunities to overcome barriers to a more stable and rewarding life.
Kalamazoo Defender was created through the insights and hard work of local attorneys, former judges, mental and public health experts, and community advocates working with the under served of Kalamazoo County. We are dedicated to recruiting and training attorneys who possess the requisite passion for defense work and demonstrated abilities to become outstanding in their profession. The model in which those attorneys will practice is often referred to as a “holistic” public defender. That term is used to define public defender offices that represent the whole client, including assessment and guidance in addressing collateral legal and other issues that impede a client's abilities to grow beyond a life on the margins. Criminal defendants from impoverished communities don't end up facing charges in a vacuum. Racism and barriers to safe housing, mental health services, education, nutrition, banking, and other basic needs put those living in impoverished communities at substantially greater risk of confronting criminal charges. Kalamazoo Defender will work with its clients to ensure they have the resources and community support to overcome barriers to a more stable and rewarding life, regardless of the disposition of the criminal charge.
Offices: 277 South Rose Street, Suite 5000, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, US
We provide our clients zealous legal defense and opportunities to overcome barriers to a more stable and rewarding life.
Kalamazoo Defender was created through the insights and hard work of local attorneys, former judges, mental and public health experts, and community advocates working with the under served of Kalamazoo County. We are dedicated to recruiting and training attorneys who possess the requisite passion for defense work and demonstrated abilities to become outstanding in their profession. The model in which those attorneys will practice is often referred to as a “holistic” public defender. That term is used to define public defender offices that represent the whole client, including assessment and guidance in addressing collateral legal and other issues that impede a client's abilities to grow beyond a life on the margins. Criminal defendants from impoverished communities don't end up facing charges in a vacuum. Racism and barriers to safe housing, mental health services, education, nutrition, banking, and other basic needs put those living in impoverished communities at substantially greater risk of confronting criminal charges. Kalamazoo Defender will work with its clients to ensure they have the resources and community support to overcome barriers to a more stable and rewarding life, regardless of the disposition of the criminal charge.
Offices: 277 South Rose Street, Suite 5000, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, US
