How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Summary
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Campus
The Director of Student Legal Services (SLS) is a licensed attorney hired to develop the multi-year strategic plan of the department and manage a team of 4 full-time attorneys, one paralegal, and a legal secretary/office manager. You will collaborate with departments across the university, and provide insight into the changes needed to advance the mission of the office. You will report to the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students and you will partner with colleagues internally to Student Life and externally to further the department's strategic vision. You will develop and maintain critically important relationships with the students of the university to maintain awareness of their needs and concerns, and you will represent the University of Michigan as a part of the national community of university SLS groups.
Why Work at Michigan?
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future.
Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*
Unit Leadership and Management (25%):
- Managerial responsibilities will include supervision and education of four (4) staff attorneys and two (2) office staff, and the recruitment and interviewing of law student interns. You must demonstrate a knowledge and specialty in one or more areas of the law, and will maintain a caseload in that specialty which is at least 33% of the cases handled by the attorney. You will oversee the office's use of the Practice Panther case management system to maintain a paperless office practice. You will also be a member of the community accountability group known as CAPCOM. To stay current with/address student needs and concerns, you will gather information and statistics on the number of students served and the potential learning outcomes of the students' interaction with SLS.
Oversight of Legal Practice (60%):
- Tenancy and Legal Matters: Provide legal advice on routine legal matters including landlord-tenant disputes, consumer disputes, and collection matters.
- Civil Litigation: Evaluate cases for merit and determine a cause of action pleading. Accept selected cases for complex litigation.
- Domestic Relations: Evaluate cases for divorce or other family law litigation.
- Criminal Law: Defend clients against prosecution by either the City of Ann Arbor or the State of Michigan (through Washtenaw County Prosecutor), mostly misdemeanors, and occasional felonies.
Community Involvement and Continuing Education (15%):
- Accept speaking and teaching engagements throughout the university community, including initiating community projects to promote the goals of justice. Represent the University of Michigan on multiple boards and organizations related to the justice system, including the national community of university SLS groups.
Required Qualifications*
- Juris Doctor Degree
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan; and Licensed to practice law in the Federal District Court and Southern District Court of Michigan
- 7+ years practicing law in civil litigation, domestic relations, criminal law, or relevant areas of practice
- Progressive leadership, supervisory, and management experience
- General knowledge of the laws of the State of Michigan
- Experience with various legal practice software such as case management platforms (CLIO or Practice Panther)
- Ability to utilize social media applications
Desired Qualifications*
- Licensure in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- Previous practice experience in a student-centered, diverse university environment
- Must be acquainted with the rules of professional conduct in the State of Michigan
Additional Information
Selected candidates whose start date is after 4/1/2024 or before 8/31/2024 will not be eligible for the university FY 24-25 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
#studentlife
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Please find the complete job description linked here.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.