MIRC Staff Attorney (3l Hiring Process)

POSITION: The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is looking for multiple staff attorneys to join our dedicated team, providing essential immigration services to low-income individuals. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a talented, grant-funded team engaged in meaningful and impactful work at a critical time. Positions are available in any of our five locations: Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Ypsilanti, or Detroit, with the option for a hybrid work schedule. Please note that staff must be residents of Michigan by the start of their employment.

TIMING: This posting is specifically aimed at law students expecting to graduate in May 2025 who are looking to begin their legal careers between May and September 2025. If you are interested in staff attorney positions with a different timeline, please refer to our other job postings.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with final decisions and offers anticipated by early February 2025. Start dates will be available monthly from February through September 2025.

Candidates who begin before the July 2025 Michigan Bar Exam will be eligible for bar exam leave as part of the position

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MIRC is a legal resource center for immigrants and immigration advocates across Michigan with offices in Ypsilanti, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. MIRC’s work includes direct representation, pro bono referrals, impact litigation, training, coalition building, advocacy, technical support, and more. MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non‐profit law firm whose administrative services are provided by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP). MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low income and senior persons through several statewide programs. MIRC is a legal resource center for immigrant communities.  The three pillars of our work are: 1) direct legal services; 2) systemic advocacy; and 3) community education and engagement. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and miadvocacy.org for more information.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Michigan, qualified to be admitted by waiver, or able to take the next Michigan bar exam. Applicants must possess excellent communication, collaboration, analytical and problem‐solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants or other persons in poverty. Candidate must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Candidate must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection if they intend to work remotely some of the time. Applicants who have experience, especially related to immigration and poverty, will receive priority. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to effectively communicate in Spanish. Candidates must reside in Michigan.

BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a salary starting at $60,000 depending on experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental, and flexible spending accounts. If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of a year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/151. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

MSAS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.