Special Litigation & Research Attorney

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.

• 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.