Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is a nonprofit civil law firm which has been providing legal assistance to disadvantaged community members for over 50 years. It serves 14 mid-Michigan counties from offices in Flint and Saginaw. The agency’s mission is to use advocacy to address the causes and effects of poverty. We envision communities where individuals have affordable access to resources to meet their justice needs and can pursue their legal rights through effective advocacy.
Position Overview
Pursuant to a contract with Genesee County, the Staff Attorney for the Family Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) Program will provide both direct and ancillary legal services to caretakers who are at risk of becoming involved in child protective proceedings or who are already parties in child protective proceedings before the Family Division of the Genesee County 7 th Circuit Court. The primary goal of the FLAG Program is to prevent the unnecessary entry and prolonged stay of children in foster care.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with the management and administrative teams to ensure holistic, high quality legal representation is provided pursuant to the contract
- Work in close coordination with the program support staff and social worker to provide holistic, high-quality legal representation and comprehensive case management
- Ensure program implementation and development through collaboration with primary referral sources
- Ensure compliance with funding requirements
- Prepare and draft documentation required for funder reports as requested
- Represent clients by maintaining a caseload and co-counseling with other staff attorneys as indicated
- Participate in client outreach and partner with community organizations
- Identify, develop, and implement advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems
- Develop and maintain a positive and productive work environment
- Develop engagement with advocacy organizations, bar associations, and community groups
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
- Excellent legal, organizational, written and oral communication skills
- Ability to relate comfortably to individuals of different backgrounds
- Understanding of Child Protective Services Systems, Foster Care Systems, and related Circuit Court Procedures
- Ability to multi-task and complete projects in a timely matter under pressure
- Knowledge of communities to be served and demonstrated ability to forge community collaborations
- Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to civil rights and social justice
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor
- Admission to Michigan Bar
- Prior litigation experience preferred
- Probate and family court experience preferred
Salary
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and dependent on union scale.
Benefits include but are not limited to: paid holidays; paid sick, vacation and personal days; life and disability insurance; BCBS health insurance; 403b retirement plan; and student loan repayment plan.
Application
Interested applicants should email a resume, references, and cover letter to: humanresources@lsem-mi.org
LSEM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all potentially qualified applicants to apply