What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Defender - Juvenile Lifer Unit position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
In 2012, the United States Supreme Court ruled mandatory sentences of life without parole for juveniles committing homicide offenses are unconstitutional. Michigan had one of the highest populations of “juvenile lifers” in the country, and the Assistant Defender works collaboratively in teams to investigate, mitigate, and litigate the contested resentencings of these clients. In 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court extended that protection to those 18 at the time of the homicide offense, leading to eligibility for resentencing for almost 300 additional people. In 2025, this resentencing relief was extended to those 19 and 20. Approximately 580 people are now eligible for relief from their unconstitutional mandatory life sentences.
The Assistant Defender position may work in SADO’s Detroit or Lansing offices. Both locations offer a variety of amenities and life experiences, ranging from the vibrant music and food scenes in Detroit, to Big Ten sports and ready access to miles of river trail in Lansing. SADO offers a hybrid work environment that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to staff.
For this type of litigation, the successful applicant must be able to:
In 2012, the United States Supreme Court ruled mandatory sentences of life without parole for juveniles committing homicide offenses are unconstitutional. Michigan had one of the highest populations of “juvenile lifers” in the country, and the Assistant Defender works collaboratively in teams to investigate, mitigate, and litigate the contested resentencings of these clients. In 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court extended that protection to those 18 at the time of the homicide offense, leading to eligibility for resentencing for almost 300 additional people. In 2025, this resentencing relief was extended to those 19 and 20. Approximately 580 people are now eligible for relief from their unconstitutional mandatory life sentences.
The Assistant Defender position may work in SADO’s Detroit or Lansing offices. Both locations offer a variety of amenities and life experiences, ranging from the vibrant music and food scenes in Detroit, to Big Ten sports and ready access to miles of river trail in Lansing. SADO offers a hybrid work environment that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to staff.
For this type of litigation, the successful applicant must be able to:
- Develop meaningful relationships of trust with clients, family members, and others.
- Frequently visit with clients housed in prison facilities throughout the state.
- Develop mitigation evidence and social histories through record retrieval and review, and interviews with clients and others. Attorneys will work with other members of a team, which could include second chair counsel, an investigator, and a mitigation specialist or social worker.
- Review trial transcripts and appellate decisions of each client’s case.
- Identify and litigate through motion practice novel issues of law.
- Select and manage expert witnesses and consultants as needed.
- Engage in persistent negotiations with prosecutors on a case-by-case basis.
- Conduct hearings in trial courts throughout Michigan.
- In conjunction with SADO’s Project Reentry, develop reentry plans for clients.