Attorney Associate

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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.

Job Summary

Department Summary:

Student Legal Services is a full-service law office that serves enrolled students at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses to varying degrees.

Position Summary:

The Associate Attorney, under the supervision of the Director, provides legal advice and representation in a confidential and professional manner to University of Michigan students, in a variety of areas, including criminal law, consumer law, family law, and housing/landlord-tenant law. The attorney will interview new clients, provide legal counsel/advice, evaluate the merit of claims, respond to the needs of clients, and provide direct representation to students prior to any litigation and in litigation. The Associate Attorney conducts legal research and analysis and drafts documents such as complaints, answers to complaints, motions, briefs, discovery requests, mediation summaries, settlement agreements, judgments, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements.

Responsibilities*

Legal Representation (95%):

• Conduct initial consultations with clients seeking advice or representation.
• Provide clear, accurate, and actionable legal guidance tailored to each client's unique situation.
• Follow up with clients as necessary and timely respond to all communication
• Advocate on clients behalf as agreed upon
• Engage in settlement negotiations as appropriate
• Evaluate case for litigation, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution
• Prepare and file pleadings, conduct discovery, investigation, and litigate as appropriate.

Community Involvement and Continuing Education (5%):

• Accept speaking engagements throughout the University community.
• As appropriate, provide representation on community and University boards and committees.
• With the approval of the Director, initiate projects to benefit the education of the University student community.
• Provide referrals to appropriate University resources.

Required Qualifications*

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan
• Minimum one year of experience practicing law

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in a student-centered practice in a university environment.
• Experience in litigation, advocacy, client interviewing, legal research, and drafting legal documents.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

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.

Selected candidates whose start date is between 4/1/2026 - 9/1/2026 will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Relocation will not be offered for this role.

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Position Responsibilities Criteria:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to interact considerately and professionally with people under difficult circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp complex legal concepts, coupled with strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize multiple tasks.
• Ability to timely and effectively communicate, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Working Conditions:

The position is fully in-person with the Associate Attorney traveling between the office, courts, and throughout the University of Michigan campuses as necessary. The work requires a fully onsite presence.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires travel to and from various sites, including but not limited to, district and circuit courts within Washtenaw County and other law offices.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.