Job Description

The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) partners with communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equity and justice in urban spaces. Many Detroiters and, by extension, their families, are excluded from the formal economy due to criminal records, suspended driver's licenses, outstanding warrants, or burdensome criminal justice debt. DJC’s Legal Services and Advocacy Practice helps clients overcome these barriers. 

Our Legal Services and Advocacy Practice (LSAP) is built on the belief that everyone should be able to control, improve, and enrich their lives and communities. We are seeking a full-time Paralegal to support this mission. This role will often be the first point of contact for potential clients and is essential to providing critical legal support. This is a hybrid role that combines remote work with an in-office presence. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Interaction: Interview prospective clients to assess the nature of their legal issues, desired outcomes, and anticipated timelines. 

• File and Case Management: Create, organize, and maintain case files, client records, evidence, and associated contacts.Support and update a case calendar to track essential deadlines, court dates, client meetings, and filing schedules.

• Legal Support: Draft basic motions, briefs, and legal pleadings under attorney supervision. Assist with document preparation, proofreading, cite-checking, formatting, and creating tables of contents for filings.

• Client Correspondence: Prepare and send engagement and closing letters, and maintain client communication to provide updates.

• Research and Litigation Support: Conduct legal research, assist with discovery, and support litigation tasks, such as filing and serving pleadings and other legal documents.

• Administrative Assistance: Perform administrative tasks, including preparing reports, document creation, and mail handling. Assist with office operations, including supply management, document requests, and case-related errands.

• Court Liaison: Facilitate court filings, communicate with court personnel, and obtain necessary documents from government agencies.

Skills, Knowledge, and  Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in related subjects (i.e., political science, legal administration, criminal justice) or Paralegal certificate.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of experience as a paralegal or legal support staff. Prior experience at a public interest law firm or nonprofit is a plus.
• Client Relations & Empathy: Demonstrated ability to build rapport with clients, including those from diverse backgrounds or experiencing hardship. Strong interpersonal skills and empathy in addressing the needs of justice-impacted individuals.
• Legal Research & Analysis: Strong legal research skills, with the ability to analyze statutes, case law, and court rules, and apply them effectively to client cases. Experience using legal research tools and databases is preferred.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, concise legal documents, correspondence, and reports. Strong verbal communication skills to interact effectively with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and external stakeholders.
• Technology Proficiency: High level of proficiency in using legal technology, including case management systems (e.g., Justice Server), document management platforms, and tools like Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Zoom for virtual meetings. Familiarity with databases and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software.
• Time Management & Organization: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks and priorities. Demonstrated success in meeting tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidentiality & Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity, ensuring client privacy and upholding ethical standards in all work processes.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues. Resourceful and able to anticipate the needs of attorneys and clients, with the ability to work independently while supporting the team’s goals.
• Reliable Transportation: Access to reliable transportation is required to attend court, file documents, and run case-related errands.

The target salary range for this role is $60,000-$65,000. DJC operates a four-day work week, prioritizing work-life balance and the well-being of our team. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 95% employer-paid health coverage, a 2% retirement match, 10 paid holidays, generous PTO, and centering days dedicated to rest and rejuvenation.

At DJC, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We understand that candidates from marginalized and underrepresented communities—especially women and communities of color—may hesitate to apply for positions if they do not meet every single qualification listed. We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those impacted by the criminal legal system to apply. You may be the right candidate for this position or other opportunities at DJC. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to driving justice and equity in our work.

Application Instructions:  Please submit a resume and cover letter through our careers website to apply for this role. Please describe your interest in DJC’s mission, values, and relevant experiences in your cover letter.

Please note: This role requires a minimum of two years of prior legal support or paralegal experience. Candidates without direct legal support experience will not be considered.

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