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 three offices. The agency 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 dedicated advocacy.
Position Overview
Pursuant to a contract with Genesee County, the Supervising Attorney 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 7th Circuit Court. The primary goal of the Foster Care Prevention and Permanency Program is to prevent the unnecessary entry and prolonged stay of children in foster care.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with Executive Director and Supervising Attorney to oversee program activities and supervise program support staff to ensure holistic, high quality legal representation and case management is provided
- 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
- Coordinate and facilitate an education and outreach calendar
- Identify, develop, and implement advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems
- Develop and maintain a positive and productive work environment
- Develop a leadership role in legal services 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 racial/ethnic, economic and cultural 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 family law, civil rights, and social justice
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor
- Admission to Michigan Bar
- 5 or more years of legal experience preferred
- Significant probate and family court experience preferred
- Working knowledge of grant practices and reporting requirements
Salary
Salary is commensurate with qualifications
Benefits are generous and include but are not limited to: paid holidays, paid sick and vacation days, life and disability insurance, BCBS health insurance, 403b retirement plan, FSA, 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 committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage all applicants to apply regardless of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, marital status, medical conditions, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.