Launched in 2018, DJC works alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities. This mission requires innovative ways of community lawyering and movement lawyering—rooted in defensive and offensive fights for racial justice and economic equity—that build up our poorest residents through direct services and novel approaches to land use, housing, and employment. DJC has established a set of values to guide our work, and we seek to add someone to our team who will deeply align with our values.

At DJC, we envision a just city where we have shifted our abundance away from jails, prisons, and policing and into actual community safety, where affordable, accessible housing is the norm instead of foreclosures and displacement, and where we have a thriving solidarity economy, and communities set the agenda for development in their neighborhoods. We envision a just Detroit—rooted in solidarity, compassion, and care—and are fighting hard with our partners to make it real.

About the Role

The Managing Director will oversee LSAP attorneys, Policy Advocates, and Community Legal Advocates (CLAs), ensuring high-quality legal services and policy-driven legal strategies that support Detroiters in reclaiming power and resources. This role requires a seasoned litigator, strategic thinker, and strong leader with experience in impact litigation, policy change, and grassroots legal advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and manage LSAP attorneys, Policy Advocates, and Community Legal Advocates (CLAs), ensuring exceptional legal representation and advocacy.
Lead annual strategic planning, assessing progress toward previous goals and adjusting to address systemic injustices and advance just cities.
Lead department meetings to assess caseloads, emerging legal issues, and litigation strategies, including review of casework and filings.
Support Policy Advocates in identifying and pursuing legislative reform and regulatory advocacy.
Strengthen community-based legal advocacy, ensuring CLAs provide equitable access to legal services.
Foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, integrating legal representation with policy and movement-building efforts.

Practice Area Development & Strategy

Identify and pursue impact litigation opportunities that align with DJC’s mission and values.
Develop and lead strategic lawsuits to challenge harmful policies, protect community rights, and advance economic justice.
Ensure DJC’s legal services and advocacy expand sustainably and effectively, bringing vision and innovation to program development.
Facilitate regular team meetings to review key legal and policy issues, client concerns, caseload distribution, and systemic challenges.
Cultivate a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Direct Litigation & Legal Representation

Maintain an active caseload, handling litigation and client representation in legal matters, including:
- Housing justice – landlord-tenant disputes, illegal evictions, habitability issues, deed fraud, and rental assistance advocacy.
- Criminal records & expungement – assisting Detroiters with record clearance to remove barriers to employment and housing.
- Public benefits advocacy – ensuring access to SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, and unemployment compensation.
- Family law matters – representing clients in child custody, support, and parenting time cases.
- Fines & fees-related cases – challenging excessive court-imposed financial burdens.
Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and argue cases in state and federal courts.
Engage in community outreach and coalition-building, ensuring DJC’s legal advocacy reaches those most impacted by injustice.

Qualifications & Experience

J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the Michigan Bar and in good standing (required at the time of application).
10 years of legal experience, including 5+ years of litigation experience.
Strong litigation experience, including courtroom advocacy in state and federal courts.
Experience in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and strategic legal reform.
Strong case management and organizational skills, with experience managing legal teams and caseloads efficiently.
Deep commitment to racial and economic justice frameworks.
Excellent written, oral, and strategic communication skills.

Why Join DJC?

Lead transformational legal work that builds power and advances justice.
Engage in policy advocacy and movement lawyering at the intersection of racial and economic justice.
Collaborate with grassroots organizations and directly impacted communities to reimagine safety and justice.
Work-Life Balance: We value sustainability and well-being.

The target annual salary range for this role is $130,000. DJC operates a four-day workweek, 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 96% employer-paid health coverage, 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: To apply, 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

About Detroit Justice Center