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Federal Defender Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Defender information

See Michigan salary details

$41K

$68.5K

$115.1K

How much do federal defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal defender in Michigan is $68,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal defender?

Federal defenders are attorneys who provide legal representation to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire private counsel. They are part of the federal public defender system, which is designed to ensure that everyone has access to fair legal defense, regardless of their financial situation. Federal defenders handle a variety of cases, ranging from drug offenses to white-collar crimes, and work to protect the rights of the accused throughout the federal criminal justice process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal defender?

To thrive as a Federal Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a comprehensive understanding of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with case management systems, are typically required. Exceptional advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills, along with empathy and resilience, help distinguish outstanding defenders. These competencies are essential for ensuring effective legal representation, protecting clients' rights, and navigating the complexities of the federal justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by federal defenders in managing their caseloads?

Federal Defenders often handle a high volume of complex cases, which can require balancing tight deadlines, thorough legal research, and frequent court appearances. Managing client communication and building trust, especially with clients facing serious charges, can be demanding. Collaboration with investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys is essential to prepare effective defenses. Staying up to date with changes in federal law and procedure is also a key part of the role, as is maintaining a commitment to ethical and diligent representation under often challenging circumstances.

What is the difference between Federal Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectFederal DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor, bar admission, specialized federal criminal law knowledgeJuris Doctor, bar admission, state-specific criminal law knowledge
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal criminal casesState courts, state criminal cases
EmployerFederal Public Defender ServiceCounty or state government agencies
Industry UsageFederal criminal defenseState criminal defense

The main difference between a Federal Defender and a Public Defender lies in their jurisdiction and employer. Federal Defenders work in federal courts handling federal criminal cases, while Public Defenders serve in state courts handling state criminal cases. Both roles require a Juris Doctor, bar admission, and strong criminal law knowledge, but their scope and employer differ significantly.

Federal Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Defender job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,496 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Staff Attorney - Housing Defense

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Detroit, MI • On-site

$78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview
Job Title: Staff Attorney - Housing Defense
Department: Housing Defense
Location: Detroit
Reports To: Supervising Attorney
Position Type: Full-time
Union Status: Union eligible
FLSA Status: Exempt
About NDS:
Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.
Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients-before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution-while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.
Core Purpose of the Role:
We invite you to join our team as we expand our Housing Defense Practice, where our goal is to decrease housing insecurity and safeguard our clients' right to secure and/or maintain stable housing while combating the destabilization and disintegration of Detroit's diverse communities. We are seeking a highly organized, self-driven, and resilient individual dedicated to our mission.
The ideal Housing Defense Attorney is an experienced attorney who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, preferably with experience in a public defender office or fast-paced legal services organization. The Housing Defense Attorney will help shape our present and future-contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes, and our ideal Housing Defense Attorney approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.
Responsibilities
  • Embody NDS' philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence.
  • Provide vigorous advocacy work with energy and enthusiasm to clients and their families in the City of Detroit who face housing insecurity.
  • Perform client intakes, complete the Housing Defense Intake form, Legal Analysis Summary, Retainer Agreement and Client Income Attestation, complete and file Appearance with the court as necessary.
  • Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including legal arguments, hearings, and trials.
  • File motions, briefs, and other pleadings and make oral arguments in-person and virtually on a frequent, timely basis.
  • Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations, hearings, and trials.
  • Advocate for clients to access and obtain benefits, subsidies, and other services to resolve Housing Court proceedings
  • Interview clients by phone, in person and through virtual means, conduct legal research and write pre-pleading letters, emails, pleadings, motions, and memoranda on behalf of clients.
  • Coordinate work performed by team members (social worker, client advocates, and team administrator).
  • Work with cross-practice colleagues (criminal/civil defense) to obtain positive and comprehensive legal outcomes for clients.
  • Perform community outreach representing NDS Detroit Housing Defense at community-based initiatives on housing issues on a bi-weekly basis.
  • Contribute ideas in the development of forms, processes, and procedures to implement within the housing defense team.
  • Meet reporting requirements: entering case notes in client database for each client daily, submitting daily work log to the team administrator and supervising attorney daily.
  • Scan, upload and save court forms and other case documents to client files daily.
  • Identify community resources/agencies and client referrals.

Qualifications
Required
  • A demonstrated commitment to indigent defense, racial equity, housing and social justice issues, involving the City of Detroit.
  • Admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan.
  • Experience with landlord/tenant, subsidized housing, and foreclosures.
  • Knowledge regarding rapidly changing executive orders and agency policies, particularly eviction moratoriums and eviction diversion programs, both state and federal.
  • A track record of strategically guiding casework, projects and/or relationships; applying good and practiced judgment; and routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve your goals.
  • An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities.
  • A high level of organizational, time management, and administrative skills.
  • Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to empathize and show compassion for clients in crisis.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word and OneDrive.

Preferred
  • Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) individuals are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience. The current salary range for this position is $78,794.69 - $122,912.49. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.
SALARY RANGE BASED ON TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE
1-5 Years
$78,794.69 - 85,511.20
6-10 Years
$89,615.27 - 98,806.58
11 - 15 Years
101,104.41 - 105,859.64
16 Years +
$105,997.93 (about $1k for each additional year)
  • Full medical and dental benefits
  • Retirement plan with company match up to 5%
  • Robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply.
Min
USD $78,794.69/Yr.
Max
USD $22,912.49/Yr.

Apply