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Neighborhood Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wayne County

Program Administrator -099605

Detroit, MI · On-site

The remaining 25% of assignments went to the Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), Wayne County's new public defender office. Reporting to the IDSD Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Program ...

Wayne County Government

Program Administrator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$63K - $101K/yr

The remaining 25% of assignments went to the Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), Wayne County's new public defender office.Reporting to the IDSD Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Program ...

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Neighborhood Defender Service information

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$19K

$53.8K

$101.5K

How much do neighborhood defender service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for neighborhood defender service in the United States is $53,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of cases and clients does a Neighborhood Defender Service attorney typically handle on a daily basis?

Neighborhood Defender Service attorneys primarily represent clients facing criminal charges, often from underserved communities. On a daily basis, they handle a diverse caseload ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and may also address related civil or family matters that impact their clients’ lives. Attorneys work closely with investigators, social workers, and support staff to provide holistic defense, which can include advocating for clients in court, negotiating with prosecutors, and connecting clients to social services. The collaborative, team-based environment emphasizes both legal advocacy and addressing the broader needs of clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Neighborhood Defender Service attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Neighborhood Defender Service attorney, you need a strong background in criminal law, legal research, and courtroom advocacy, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with case management software, electronic legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and e-filing systems is important. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and a commitment to social justice help build trust with clients and work effectively in diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality, client-centered defense and achieving fair legal outcomes.

What is a Neighborhood Defender Service?

A Neighborhood Defender Service is a community-based public defense organization that provides legal representation to people who cannot afford a private attorney, often focusing on underserved neighborhoods. These services not only handle criminal cases but may also assist with related civil and family matters, aiming to address the broader issues that affect clients' lives. Their holistic approach seeks to reduce the negative impact of involvement with the justice system by working closely with clients, their families, and the community. Neighborhood Defender Services are committed to promoting fair treatment and justice for all members of the community.

What is the difference between Neighborhood Defender Service vs Public Defender?

AspectNeighborhood Defender ServicePublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentNonprofit legal organization, community-focusedGovernment agency, courtroom and office settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofit sector, criminal defenseGovernment sector, criminal defense
Common Search/ComparisonNeighborhood Defender Service vs Public Defender

Both roles require a Juris Doctor degree and a state bar license, focusing on criminal defense. The Neighborhood Defender Service operates as a nonprofit organization emphasizing community-based legal support, while Public Defenders work within government agencies representing indigent clients. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right environment and career path in criminal defense law.

More about Neighborhood Defender Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Neighborhood Defender Service jobs? Cities with the most Neighborhood Defender Service job openings:
What job categories do people searching Neighborhood Defender Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Neighborhood Defender Service jobs are:
Neighborhood Defender Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Neighborhood Defender Service job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,796 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Program Administrator -099605

Wayne County

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Wayne County's Indigent Defense Services Department is developing a staff of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in criminal defense representation at the trial court level, and equal access to justice. IDSD is state-funded through annual grants from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). IDSD will manage the transition and then assume responsibility for the entire indigent defense system in Wayne County's Third Circuit Court, Michigan's largest trial court handling more than 16,000 assignments of counsel in felony cases that originate in the county's numerous district courts.

In 2020, approximately 75% of the assignments were handled by about 200 private assigned counsel who were qualified by the Court to handle cases in four Tiers, or categories, of cases. The remaining 25% of assignments went to the Neighborhood Defender Service Detroit (NDSD), Wayne County's new public defender office.

Reporting to the IDSD Assigned Counsel Administrator, the Program Administrator of the Investigator and Expert Program will manage access to MIDC funding for investigators and experts by assigned criminal defense counsel handling felony cases in the Third Judicial Circuit. Nearly 16,000 assigned cases are eligible for the services following appointment of counsel, who encouraged to start immediately following district court arraignments on the warrant. As with its predecessor Pilot Project, the Program places approval of investigator and expert service in the hands of Program Administrator, themselves experienced criminal defense attorneys. The Program Administrator consult with assigned counsel on needs of individual cases, provide resources enabling counsel's selection of particular investigators and experts, and approve use and payment according to a schedule of fees. Investigators are available for all cases handled by private assigned counsel (the Neighborhood Defender Services employs staff investigators), and experts are available for all assigned cases. Requests for services and any discussion taking place between counsel and the Program Administrator is privileged and protected from disclosure except in anonymous summary form.

Educational/Experience Requirements

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney.
    • Preferred:
      • Prior work in a role supporting assigned criminal defense counsel.
  • Required Tasks
    • Consulting directly with assigned counsel on needs for investigation or expert services in individual cases, through in-person contact, email, and phone.
    • Communicating directly with investigators and experts, as needed, on continuing needs and completion of services throughout the case, and payment after services have been rendered.
    • Preparing reports and recommendations on use of Program services.
    • Training assigned counsel on the use of investigators and experts, and collaborating with others to provide training.
    • Voting member of attorney assignment committee which includes monitoring attorney compliance with MIDC Standard 3 and IDSD policies.
  • Additional Tasks
    • Developing and managing collections of investigators and experts who are willing and eligible to provide services in assigned criminal cases.
    • Working with other IDSD staff, developing and maintaining a case management system to handle a large number of requests and payments.
    • Working with other IDSD staff, developing a process for verifying the accuracy of requests for payment, as well as compliance with rate schedules.
    • Managing an online process for approving requests, paying vendors, and evaluating the impact of services.
    • Communicating directly with assigned counsel on continuing needs for services, and satisfaction with services, throughout the case.
    • Compiling data on use of Program services.
    • Working with IDSD staff to develop benchmarks and anticipated budgets for future Program funding requests.
    • At the direction of the Assigned Counsel Administrator, monitoring the performance of assigned counsel.

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