Job Description
Job Description
Our Vision: A community that prioritizes love, compassion, and equity over judgment, shame, and division.
Assistant Public Defender: Motions & Appeals Specialist
Salary Range: $128,500 - $137,096
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 to 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 attorney to serve as a Motions and Appeals Specialist. This position focuses on developing and implementing policies, procedures, and practices to advance our appellate and motion work throughout Michigan courts. Responsibilities include handling appeals, coordinating motion practices, and training staff to elevate the quality of indigent defense. While this role does not carry an independent caseload, the attorney will actively support the entire legal staff and design and lead monthly training sessions. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Defender, the person in this role will work closely with the attorney leadership, collaborating to establish and share best practices across the team.
This role requires a deep commitment to the holistic defense model, zealous representation of clients, and maintaining strong communication with multidisciplinary defense team members. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Michigan appeals process, a passion for written advocacy, and a commitment to educating others to enhance the effectiveness of their motions and appeals.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Provide and demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts.
* Manage all appeals involving Kalamazoo Defender.
* Stay current on legal developments and collaborate with attorney leadership to share updates with fellow Defenders.
* Develop best practices for drafting motions and train fellow attorneys on effective techniques.
* Consult with and assist other Defenders on case-specific motion issues, including motions in limine and other motion issues that emerge during trial.
* Consult with and assist other Defenders at case-discussion meetings.
* Create, maintain, and update an internally accessible motion