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Equal Justice Initiative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Michigan Advocacy Program

Staff Attorney

Lansing, MI · On-site

$60K/yr

POSITION: The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking two full-time attorneys with a ... The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ...

Michigan Advocacy Program

Staff Attorney

Lansing, MI · On-site

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking two full-time attorneys with a demonstrated ... The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer,committed to ...

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$11K

$89.7K

$138.5K

How much do equal justice initiative jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for equal justice initiative in the United States is $89,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Equal Justice Initiative vs Public Defender?

AspectEqual Justice InitiativePublic Defender
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admissionLegal degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, advocacy-focusedGovernment, courtroom
Employer & IndustryNonprofit legal organizationGovernment legal system
Primary FocusAddressing racial injustice & wrongful convictionsDefending indigent clients in criminal cases

Equal Justice Initiative and Public Defenders both require legal credentials and serve in the legal field. However, EJI is a nonprofit organization focused on social justice advocacy, while Public Defenders work within government agencies defending clients in criminal courts. Their work environments and primary missions differ, with EJI emphasizing systemic change and Public Defenders providing direct legal defense.

Is Bryan Stevenson still practicing law?

Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, continues to practice law and advocate for criminal justice reform. He remains actively involved in legal work, public speaking, and policy efforts related to justice issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal advocate at the Equal Justice Initiative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a legal advocate at the Equal Justice Initiative, you need a strong background in law, research, and advocacy, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills, resilience, and a deep commitment to social justice help individuals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively representing clients, advancing systemic change, and navigating complex legal and social issues.

What does the Equal Justice Initiative do?

The Equal Justice Initiative is a nonprofit organization that works to end mass incarceration, challenge racial and economic injustice, and promote fair treatment in the criminal justice system. Staff members often engage in legal advocacy, research, and public education to address systemic inequalities.

Who runs the Equal Justice Initiative?

The Equal Justice Initiative is led by its founder and director, Bryan Stevenson, who oversees its efforts to challenge racial and economic injustice through legal advocacy and public education. The organization employs a team of attorneys, advocates, and staff working collaboratively to achieve its mission.

How is EJI funded?

The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is primarily funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and organizations. It also receives grants to support its legal work and advocacy efforts, enabling staff to pursue cases and initiatives related to criminal justice reform.

What types of projects or cases does an employee at the Equal Justice Initiative typically work on?

At the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), employees are often engaged in projects related to criminal justice reform, challenging wrongful convictions, advocating for prison and sentencing reform, and supporting initiatives around racial justice. Staff members may work directly with clients, conduct legal research, assist with litigation, or participate in community education efforts. Collaboration is common, with teams working closely across legal, research, and outreach departments to advance EJI’s mission. This diverse workload offers opportunities to develop both legal expertise and advocacy skills in a highly impactful environment.

What is the Equal Justice Initiative?

The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is a nonprofit organization based in Montgomery, Alabama, that is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Founded by attorney Bryan Stevenson in 1989, EJI provides legal representation to people who may have been wrongly convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. EJI also engages in public education through reports, films, and the Legacy Museum to raise awareness about the history of racial injustice in America.
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What cities are hiring for Equal Justice Initiative jobs? Cities with the most Equal Justice Initiative job openings:
What states have the most Equal Justice Initiative jobs? States with the most job openings for Equal Justice Initiative jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Equal Justice Initiative jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Equal Justice Initiative jobs are:
Equal Justice Initiative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Equal Justice Initiative job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 46% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,736 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Staff Attorney (Lansing Office)

Staff Attorney (Lansing Office)

Michigan Advocacy Program

Lansing, MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: Salary range is from $63,672 to $92,548

POSITION: Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) is seeking a Staff Attorney in our Lansing office, which serves Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee and Livingston Counties. The staff attorney will provide a range of individual advocacy and impact work, including housing law, consumer, public benefits, and family law.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: LSSCM has served low-income residents of 13 counties in south central Michigan for more than 50 years. LSSCM helps individuals and families achieve safety, stability, and economic security by providing free civil legal services with an emphasis on homelessness prevention, domestic violence and elder abuse prevention, and assistance in accessing health care, food, and needs-based income programs. LSSCM is a program of Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP). In addition to LSSCM, MAP manages six statewide programs serving immigrant communities (Michigan Immigrant Rights Center), vulnerable older adults (Michigan Elder Justice Initiative), victims of domestic violence and elder abuse (Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program), and providing access to legal information to self-represented litigants (Michigan Legal Help Program), and providing case support and training for all the legal services providers in Michigan (Michigan Poverty Law Program). MAP has a staff of about 250 people in offices in Battle Creek, Detroit, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Monroe, and Ypsilanti. Visit lsscm.org and miadvocacy.org for more information.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should 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, analytical, and problem-solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals and underserved populations through lived or learned experience. Legal aid and/or litigation experience is a plus.

BENEFITS: The salary range is from $63,672 to $92,548, salary is determined by the union pay scale the candidates experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short and long term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If an applicant does 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 the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks 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. MAP is a unionized program.

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/297. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Michigan Advocacy Program is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.