Job Description **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** is a small criminal defense law firm based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We practice holistic state and appellate criminal defense and are looking to expand into estate planning within the next year. Currently, we have two county contracts and one appellate contract (servicing indigent clients in Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, and Kent counties) in addition to private clients. Our firm is largely cloud based and tech heavy. We value flexibility, responsiveness, innovation, and old fashioned grit.
We are looking for a full-time junior associate. Ideally, this would be someone with some state trial experience in Michigan or an attorney 1-3 years out of law school. Preference will be given to candidates with criminal law experience. Must be Michigan licensed for this position but we are also collecting applications for another associate position likely to open mid- to end of 2025 if you are still waiting for bar results but would like to submit an application.
We are interviewing immediately and would like to have someone onboard by mid-April/early May ideally. Our hiring process includes two interviews- the first being with the managing attorney/owner over video conference and the second being with the firm's team either by video conference or in person.
Job Duties/Responsibilities, include but not limited to:
-Provide legal representation to indigent and private clients on misdemeanors and low severity felony cases.
-Meet with clients promptly (including clients in custody (jail/prison) or by utilizing technology to do in person, video, or telephonic appointments), identify client goals and special needs, make referrals when appropriate.
-Review charging instruments, police reports, and digital discovery.
-Develop case strategy, identify areas for further investigation and/or expert development.
-Research legal issues, draft motions and other necessary documents.
-Negotiate with prosecutors, work and coordinate with other agencies.
-Maintain availability to staff/firm members, clients, outside agencies.
-Maintain accurate and complete records, including notes and work product.
-Stay current on local resources, internal policies, and law.
-Maintain good working relationships with outside agencies, stakeholders, and community.
-Second-chair trials, particularly in high severity felony matters.
-Adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance and internal policies and procedures.
-Regularly engage in continuing education.
-Option to represent indigent clients on appeal.
Compensation/Benefits:
We strongly value flexibility and work/life balance. We are looking for a self-starter and go-getter that would like to have significant impact on building our firm culture and to be involved in the local legal community while still maintaining a great deal of personal autonomy regarding the day-to-day work duties. We offer remote work and flex time when possible. We also will pay for you to attend trainings and often have voluntary firm outings (sports events, concerts, local bar events, etc.). Other benefits include:
-Health, vision/dental
-Retirement program
-Paid time off (PTO), remote work, and flex time options
-Performance-based bonuses
How to Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to Sara Schlack (Managing Attorney/Owner) by email at **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW*** or mail to **MEMBERS ONLY**SIGN UP NOW***, 251 N. Rose St., Ste. 200, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. If you have less than 2 years of practice experience, please include copy of transcripts. References will be requested after first interview.
