Special Litigation Research Attorney

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Overview

Job Title: Special Litigation & Research Attorney

Department: Training

Location: Detroit

Reports To: Training Director

Position Type: Full Time

Union Status: Union Eligible

FLSA Status: Exempt

About NDS:

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.

Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.

Core Purpose of the Role:

The ideal Special Litigation & Research Attorney is an experienced attorney, well-versed in Michigan law, who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized people and communities. The Special Litigation & Research Attorney will help shape our present and future—contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our ideal Special Litigation & Research Attorney approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

Responsibilities

• Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the residents of Wayne County.

• Work collaboratively with the two other attorneys who make up NDS’ Training, Development, and Special Litigation Team, under the supervision of the Training Director. Together with this team, the new Special Litigation & Research Attorney will:

• Provide prompt research, brainstorming, and strategic assistance to NDS staff members during a daily set of on-call hours. The team also provides similar assistance to the attorneys on the Wayne County Managed Assigned Counsel Roster.

• Train NDS staff members and Roster Attorneys on how to use available resources. This may also include developing or organizing existing resource banks, vetting and updating existing resources, and developing new resources, such as practice guides, cheat sheets, and model pleadings.

• Foster a culture of collaboration and excellent representation by facilitating case rounds discussions, creating forums for development of trial and oral advocacy skills, and developing new training programs for NDS staff and roster attorneys.

• Support and train NDS staff and roster attorneys in all aspects of motion practice, including issue-spotting, writing, record development, and argument.

• Assist NDS staff and roster attorneys with interlocutory appeals, including providing guidance, training, and mentorship to help train attorneys to litigate interlocutory appeals. The Special Litigation & Research Attorney may also be required to litigate interlocutory appeals, including researching, drafting, and arguing appeals in collaboration with the NDS staff and roster attorneys assigned to those cases.

• Draft newsletters and other regular communications for NDS staff and roster attorneys advising them of legal updates, training opportunities, and practice tips.

Qualifications

Required

• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues, and to the Wayne County community.

• Experience representing clients in criminal cases and knowledge of criminal procedures from arraignments through appeals.

• Skill and significant experience in legal research and analysis.

• Willingness to train or help other people.

• An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races, and ethnicities.

• A high level of organizational and administrative skills.

• Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.

• A license to practice law in Michigan or in another state; and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within six months.

• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word and OneDrive.

Preferred

• Several years of experience practicing in Michigan, preferably Wayne County, and extensive familiarity with Michigan criminal law and appellate procedures.

• Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) attorneys are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience.  The current salary range for this position is $78,794.69 - $122,912.49. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.

SALARY RANGE BASED ON TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE

1-5 Years

$78,794.69 – 85,511.20

6-10 Years

$89,615.27 – 98,806.58

11 – 15 Years

101,104.41 – 105,859.64

16 Years +

$105,997.93 (about $1k for each additional year)

• Full medical and dental benefits

• Retirement plan with company match up to 5%

• Robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line, “Detroit Special Litigation & Research Attorney.” Please send your application as one bookmarked PDF. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be submitted by no later than 11:59 pm on July 27, 2026.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment 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-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply. 

Min

USD $78,794.69/Yr.

Max

USD $122,912.49/Yr.