The Detroit Justice Center (DJC), an innovative community law practice, seeks a full-time LEGAL RESEARCH ANALYST. DJC is founded on the belief that we cannot build cities that work for everyone without remedying the impacts of mass incarceration and transforming our justice system. This position is a unique opportunity to support DJC in its mission to deliver community lawyering services, create economic opportunities, and promote just cities. We have established a set ofvalues to guide our work, and we seek a Legal Research Analyst who will deeply align with them.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The legal research analyst will provide high-level legal research and attorney support.  Supporting both the Legal Services & Advocacy Practice (LSAP) and Economic Equity Practice (EEP), this position will primarily focus on research but will also provide high level paralegal support.  While this position reports to the Managing Attorney for the Legal Services & Advocacy Practice, duties may also be assigned from the Managing Attorney for the Economic Equity Practice. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with the LSAP and EEP teams to develop and implement research and advocacy agendas that advance DJC’s mission;

• Conduct fact-based internet and academic research;

• Analyze data and statistics;

• Submit FOIA requests in coordination with research projects;

• Work as project manager for multi-person research projects;

• Serve as a point person for coordinating with outside research support from universities or other organizations; 

• Manage interns on research-related tasks and liaise between interns and other people in the organization who request research support;

• Provide legal research support by investigating and interpreting  case law and policy research support by investigating and interpreting legislation and statutes; 

• Write and share internal briefing memos;

• Utilize the Adobe Creative Suite to produce external reports, statements, articles, fact sheets, and handouts to share findings (working closely with the communications team);

• Participate in strategic advocacy meetings, identify patterns and systemic problems that need to be addressed, and contribute to team initiatives to create large-scale change;

• Prepare and edit legal documents such as briefs, motions, and declarations (including drafting, revising, and proofreading such documents);

• Draft hardship letters to express client circumstances to the court and seek relief from judgments; and

• Provide general support to the LSAP team with other specifically delegated substantive legal work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3 years of experience required; up to 5 years of experience is preferred

• JD preferred 

• Experience working in a new non-profit and/or at a public interest law firm is helpful;

• Experience drafting legal documents;

• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and computer skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, etc.);

• Ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure;

• Must have impeccable attention to detail;

• Must be resourceful and have the ability to anticipate needs and work independently;

• Must be able to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity;

• Knowledge of MS Office Suite and Google products; experience with case management software and web conferencing software (e.g. Google Meet, Zoom) a plus; 

• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;

• Commits and contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences; and

• Knowledge/experience of justice issues and passion for DJC’s mission and values.

The target salary for this role is $50,000 - $60,000.  DJC offers an array of robust benefits in addition to its base salary including 100% employer-paid health benefits, 2% retirement match, 10 paid holidays, 20 PTO days, 2 centering days, 5 sick days, and a flexible schedule. This position will be remote until the organization returns to the office. DJC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and individuals with past involvement in the justice system or who have loved ones currently or formerly in the justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

To apply for this role, please visit www.detroitjustice.org/careers-1, REFRESH YOUR WEB BROWSER, and find this job to apply within the career portal.  If you are already in the career portal, click "Apply for this position".  Please be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and references in one .pdf or .doc (Word) file.  Applications will be reviewed as received, and all are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, but no later than WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021.