Job Description

Overview:
THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE is building a community\xe2\x80\x90based, client\xe2\x80\x90centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County and we invite you to join our team as we represent our clients with excellence. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to the communities of Wayne County. We are seeking a team of highly organized, self\xe2\x80\x90driven, and resilient individuals dedicated to our mission. The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS Detroit will represent residents of Wayne County who are charged with felony crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. NDS adheres to a client\xe2\x80\x90centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients\xe2\x80\x99 needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients while treating each client with dignity and respect.

The Investigator is an integral part of the defense team who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities. The Investigator will help shape our present and future\xe2\x80\x94contributing 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 Investigator approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment. Responsibilities:

• Embrace NDS\xe2\x80\x99 philosophy of client\xe2\x80\x90centered, community\xe2\x80\x90based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the residents of Wayne County.
• Work closely with team members in preparing clients\xe2\x80\x99
• Conduct the team\xe2\x80\x99s investigative work, including:
  • Identifying, locating, and interviewing witnesses;
  • Visiting, photographing, and diagramming locations;
  • Obtaining documents, reports, and other materials from a variety of sources;
  • Preparing investigative reports and trial
• Testify at trial.
• Document investigative work in the case management

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will bring:

• Minimally one year of experience in criminal defense investigations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues working in Wayne County communities or similar metropolitan areas is strongly desired.
• Doggedness and resilience combined with people and situation
• An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and
• A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload and multi\xe2\x80\x90task in a very fast\xe2\x80\x90paced environment.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in
• Energy, enthusiasm and ingenuity to gather and develop information from a broad spectrum of sources, ranging from community residents to government agencies.
• An ability to work cooperatively in a team
• An associate\xe2\x80\x99s or bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s
• Bi\xe2\x80\x90lingual (Spanish or Arabic) individuals are encouraged to
• Candidates must have access to a reliable and insured vehicle and have a valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s license.

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as retirement plan with company match, robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided. The salary range for this position is $45,500 \xe2\x80\x93 77,809.


SALARY RANGE BASED ON TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE

1-5 Years
$45,500 \xe2\x80\x93 49,215

6-10 Years
$50,475 \xe2\x80\x93 55,015

11 \xe2\x80\x93 15 Years
$56,565 \xe2\x80\x93 60,675

16 Years +
$61,315 (about $1k for each additional year)
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.


How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (an investigative memo is preferred, but any sample that adequately reflects your written communication skills is suitable). Please send your application as one document, preferably PDF. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at www.neighborhooddefender.org.

Min: USD $45,500.00/Yr. Max: USD $77,809.00/Yr.