UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY SCHOOL OF LAW is hiring a fellow for its Veterans Law Clinic.
DESCRIPTION:
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law seeks applications for the newly established Detroit Mercy Law Toni Wisne Sabina Foundation Veterans Clinic Fellow, within Detroit Mercy Law's clinical program. This is a two-year position, with a third-year option, beginning no later than August 1, 2021, designed for a lawyer with one to five years of practice and a demonstrated interest in veterans benefits law, and who is considering a career in law school teaching.
The Veterans Law Clinic (VLC), one of the first Veterans Law Clinics in the U.S., was established in 2008. Currently, there are more than 80 active cases in the Clinic. The VLC is a one semester three-credit-hour in-house clinic. Students enrolled in the VLC represent lower income veterans, families and survivors in obtaining pension, disability compensation, and related benefits, as well as obtaining discharge upgrades and corrections of military records. Students also provide advice and limited representation in some civil and criminal matters. A Veterans Appellate Clinic and Advanced Veterans Law Clinic (for students who have successfully completed the VLC) also are offered.
The responsibilities of the Detroit Mercy Law Toni Wisne Sabina Foundation Veterans Clinic Fellow will include the representation of VLC clients, supervision of students, assistance in designing and teaching weekly sessions for the VLC and Veterans Appellate Clinic, and work on scholarship and/or policy issues. The Clinical Fellow also will participate in program development, including community lawyering and outreach. Candidates should be licensed to practice law in Michigan or be prepared to apply for admission to the Michigan bar. The principal supervisor for the position will be Professor Margaret Costello.
Detroit Mercy Law is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. Candidates must be able to work both independently and as part of a team and must possess strong written and oral communication skills. Experience in creative advocacy also is desirable.
Requirements: Candidates for the position must have: (1) J.D. from an A.B.A.-accredited law school; (2) strong interest, and some experience, in working on veterans issues; (3) strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience working with people from diverse backgrounds; (4) understanding of the VA system, veterans' issues, and the ability to think imaginatively and critically about approaches to veterans problems; (5) the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, administrators and staff, (6) the ability to work collaboratively with community groups, veterans organizations, the VA and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (7) a strong work ethic, and demonstrated understanding of the applicable ethical rules, and (8) the ability to juggle multiple competing priorities and meet firm deadlines.
Annual salary is $45,000 -- $50,000. Fellows receive health benefits and access to university facilities.
Application Procedure: Required documents and references listed below should be submitted electronically to Professor Margaret Costello by May 21, 2021. Applications will be considered as received and will be accepted until the position is filled.
Documents Required: 1) Resume or Curriculum Vitae 2) Complete Law School Transcript 3) Writing Sample 4) Cover Letter/Statement of Interest in Veterans Issues and this Fellowship
Reference Requirements: Three references required (contact information only)
To apply:
Please submit documents required and contact information for references electronically to:
Prof. Margaret A. Costello costelma@udmercy.edu
Questions can be directed to Prof. Costello by e-mail or by calling her at 313-596-9854.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. The University seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity and excellence of its academic community. The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse faculty and student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.