Law Clerk - 2026

Our Vision: A community that prioritizes love, compassion, and equity over judgment, shame, and division. 

Law Clerk

Salary: $74,189

Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach, employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address additional needs beyond their legal case. In collaboration with our robust network of area service providers, we aim to connect our clients with relevant support services.

We fight for justice in the courts, care in the community, and dignity in the world. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system. Our job is to be their zealous defender in the face of these systemic barriers, fighting for them in court, organizing care for them in our community, and advocating for their inherent dignity in the broader world.

THE JOB:

Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time, dedicated Law Clerk to provide indigent defense services within Kalamazoo County Courts. In this role, you will manage a misdemeanor caseload under the supervision of the Misdemeanor Supervisor. Responsibilities include covering arraignment shifts, meeting with clients, negotiating with prosecutors, and litigating cases as necessary while practicing under Michigan Court Rule 8.120. The law clerk will participate in training, maintain detailed case notes, and adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance. This position is intended to allow for practice as eligible under MCR 8.120 which allows for practice for up to one year from the date of law school graduation.   

Embracing a holistic, client-centered approach, the Law Clerk will work as part of a multidisciplinary defense team, demonstrating a commitment to indigent defense while receiving mentorship and guidance from more senior attorneys and contributing to the overall success of the team. Candidates are expected to prepare for and take the bar exam at the next available opportunity if not already admitted. After passing the Michigan Bar and becoming licensed, this position will automatically convert to an Assistant Public Defender I (APD I).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal representation for indigent clients in Kalamazoo County courts, focusing on misdemeanor cases, under the supervision of the Misdemeanor Supervisor.
  
  


• Participate in weekly arraignment dockets, including client interactions and court appearances.
  
  


• Adhere to MIDC Standards of Compliance.
  
  


• Engage in continuing legal education and participate in internal training opportunities.
  
  


• Meet with clients promptly, identifying their goals and special needs, and making referrals to
  Village services and collaborating with the defense team when appropriate. 
  
  


• Review charging instruments, police reports, and other discovery materials to develop case strategies.
  
  


• Identify areas of the case that need further investigation and coordinate with the Chief Defender to employ investigators or experts.
  
  


• Research legal issues and litigate as necessary.
  
  


• Negotiate with the prosecution and communicate developments with clients.
  
  


• Prepare for and litigate cases in trial, handling all legal issues that arise, in collaboration with the Misdemeanor Supervisor.
  
  


• Maintain availability to other staff members for consultation and education; participate in training programs; maintain current knowledge of appropriate support functions.
  
  


• Maintain accurate, complete and well-organized electronic case files.
  
  


• Participate in or administer legal clinics held in community forums.
  
  


• Maintain open communication with all members of the defense team, including Paralegals, Client Navigators, Mitigation Specialists, Investigators, and Reception.
  
  


• Embrace a holistic, client-centered approach for criminal defense.
  
  


• Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense.
  
  


• Perform any other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the defense team.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• A Juris Doctorate received within the past 12 months and eligibility to practice law under supervision pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.120.
  
  


• Compelling references and solid performance in law school and internships.
  
  


• Strong commitment to Kalamazoo Defender's mission and
  
  


• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, those struggling with addiction, and those experiencing mental health crises.
  
  


• Commitment to cultural awareness, maintaining professionalism, ensuring confidentiality, and acting with compassion and integrity.
  
  


• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
  
  


• Ability to maintain complete and accurate files and timely case notes.
  
  


• Ability to prioritize work tasks while working both collaboratively and independently.
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience in a court and/or a legal office setting, particularly in criminal defense or a non-profit environment, including participation in legal clinics, internships, or externships.
  
  


• Demonstrate developing judgment in recognizing when to apply de-escalation techniques and when to seek guidance to support effective communications.
  
  


• Proven ability to work under pressure and prioritize effectively within a fast-paced environment.
  
  


• Bilingual abilities.

BENEFITS:

• Health care coverage including medical, dental, and vision, with employee premiums covered 100%.
  
  


• Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental benefits including voluntary life, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.
  
  


• Retirement program offering both 403(b) and Roth options with employer match of 5 times employee contributions up to 5%.
  
  


• Five weeks of paid time off (pro-rated for start date), paid holiday closures, and additional paid parental leave program.
  
  


• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Health Advocate services, available to all household members.
  
  


• Optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA).
  
  


• Health Savings Account (HSA) available with eligible high-deductible health plan.
  
  


• Kalamazoo Defender is a Michigan Tri-Share participating Qualifying employees may be eligible for childcare assistance, with costs shared between the employee, the employer, and the state.
  
  


• An opportunity to work with like-minded, mission-driven individuals in a dynamic and innovative holistic legal program, backed by a county capable of maximizing Kalamazoo Defender's mission.
  

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Kalamazoo Defender is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination in any form against employees, employee applicants, directors, board members, interns, clients, volunteers, vendors, or any other individuals associated with our organization. We prohibit discrimination based on race, including hairstyles associated with race such as braids, locs, twists, afros, cornrows, Bantu knots, etc., sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, including clothing associated with religion such as hijabs, turbans, etc., national origin (ancestry), citizenship status, age, height, weight, pregnancy, ability, socio-economic background or circumstances, military or veteran status, marital or partnership status, genetic predisposition, carrier status, or body art, including piercings and tattoos.

We are committed to maintaining a workplace and environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and will comply with and aim to surpass antidiscrimination policies set forth by local, state, and federal laws protecting against such actions.

Kalamazoo Defender values diversity and strives to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and full authentic selves into the space.

HOW TO APPLY:

Kalamazoo Defender is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and transcript. 

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the HR Department directly.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 269-250-5000

Address: 151 S. Rose Street Ste 200,
                 Kalamazoo, MI 49007