Staff Attorney Job at ACLU of Michigan (Detroit or Grand Rapids)

Job Description

The ACLU of Michigan seeks a full-time Staff Attorney who has experience investigating, building and litigating complex cases involving federal government entities. This Staff Attorney will increase our capacity to push forward our proactive litigation agenda as well as engage in fast-moving, defensive battles against the Trump administration's policies and other affronts to civil rights and civil liberties. Specific areas of focus may include: immigration detention, voting rights, and federal government overreach more broadly, but may include other advocacy and litigation as needed.

Job Responsibility

Identify, investigate, develop and litigate high-impact civil rights and civil liberties cases involving federal government entities or government overreach in federal and state court
Write appellate and amicus curiae briefs.
Supervise, lead, or staff litigation teams of associated attorneys
co-counsel cases with other public interest groups and the national ACLU staff.
Contribute to case selection, formulating legal strategy, and identifying the ACLU's litigation priorities.
Recruit and work successfully with ACLU volunteer attorneys.
Respond to interview requests from reporters, write editorials and blogs, and contribute to social media about cases the staff attorney is involved in.
Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies utilizing the ACLU's communication, legislative, community organizing and legal programs.
Engage with coalition partners, policymakers, and community groups working on similar issues.
Demonstrate leadership by initiating cases, projects and programs that are sensitive to community needs, are inclusive, and expand the ACLU's network of supporters.
Proactively communicate with all staff so they are well-informed of upcoming hearings, judicial decisions, and important developments in cases.
Ensure that the Legal Director and Executive Directors are adequately informed of Solicit direction and input from them appropriately and consistent with professional standards.
Prepare administrative and grant reports, provide administrative and organizational support as needed, and adhere to internal systems for attorney recordkeeping and information sharing.

Requirements

J.D. with significant experience litigating complex cases involving federal government entities. Eight years of experience or more is preferred.
Member of the State Bar of Michigan or ability to waive If out of state, must be actively admitted to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and in good standing therein.
A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties, civil rights and the mission of the Experience in non-profit advocacy is a plus.
Exceptional writing, research, communication and analytical skills are required.
Demonstrated skills in litigating independently, jointly and under pressure.
Substantive knowledge and understanding of constitutional law and civil liberties issues.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and with community organizations and coalitions.
A commitment to diversity
a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, and able to manage an aggressive schedule, working beyond 9-5 as needed.
Willingness to travel across the state for litigation, local lawyers committee meetings and speaking If not located in Michigan, willingness to travel to Michigan for hearings, depositions, meetings, etc. as needed.
Proficiency with computers, Windows and Microsoft Office in particular.

What we offer

health, vision, and dental insurance
a 401(k)-retirement plan with matching contributions
an individual professional development budget
an employee assistance program

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