CVLAP Legal Assistant - Tribal Survivor Project (Remote)

at  Michigan Advocacy Program

POSITION: Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (CVLAP) is seeking a part-time Legal Assistant on our Tribal Survivor Project team to assist in serving Native American survivors of domestic violence with family law matters. Although their work will be fully remote, this Legal Assistant must reside in the state of Michigan and will be responsible for working with Attorneys, Courts, Clients and Tribes located primarily in Northern Michigan. When fully staffed, the CVLAP Tribal Survivor Project (TSP) team is made up of a Supervising Attorney, 2 Staff Attorneys and a part-time Legal Assistant. This position is part of a joint project with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence, which is a Statewide Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault Coalition serving the Tribes located in Michigan. The Tribal Survivor Project staff are also part of the larger CVLAP program, which is connected with civil legal aid attorneys across the state that specialize in providing legal assistance in cases involving, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and elder abuse.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: CVLAP is a statewide program with staff throughout Michigan, in collaboration with Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Legal Services of Northern Michigan, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center to provide outreach and a wide range of legal representation and advocacy to victims of crime; primarily domestic violence and elder abuse survivors under the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA).
CVLAP is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to older adults and people with low income through several statewide programs. 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. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit cvlap.org and miadvocacy.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Legal Assistant will actively participate in all aspects of the CVLAP Tribal Survivor Project team’s work. This includes:

• Conducting client intakes and case investigations
• Engaging in client communications throughout the process of representation
• Providing casework support, including preparing correspondence, legal filings (motions, briefs, orders, etc.), facilitating service of process, preparing for court dates and mediation, conducting legal and factual research, drafting memos, and assisting with discovery and trial preparation
• Ensuring that all legal cases involve clients who are eligible for services under the grant
• Providing administrative support for the TSP, including tracking and providing data for evaluation and grant reporting

QUALIFICATIONS: An associate’s degree or commensurate professional experience is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Through lived or learned experience, candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals and underserved populations. Candidates must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection. Experience with issues impacting domestic violence survivors and/or Native American communities is a plus. Candidate will need a valid driver’s license and access to transportation so they can reliably travel to meet with clients, attend court hearings, and visit with Tribal Advocates.
BENEFITS: This is a part-time (20 hours/week), non-exempt position with an hourly rate starting at $20.42 depending on experience. This part-time position does not include benefits. Part-time staff earn vacation and sick time, and receive paid holidays, pro-rated to their part-time status. Part-time staff may participate in MAP’s 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment.
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/88. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

• Conducting client intakes and case investigations
• Engaging in client communications throughout the process of representation
• Providing casework support, including preparing correspondence, legal filings (motions, briefs, orders, etc.), facilitating service of process, preparing for court dates and mediation, conducting legal and factual research, drafting memos, and assisting with discovery and trial preparation
• Ensuring that all legal cases involve clients who are eligible for services under the grant
• Providing administrative support for the TSP, including tracking and providing data for evaluation and grant reportin