Job ID

AF9579-0505-1555

Position Classification

FT Fellow 

Position Summary 

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law seeks applications for the Detroit Mercy Law Toni Wisne Foundation Veterans Clinic Fellow, within Detroit Mercy Law’s clinical program. This is an IN PERSON, eighteen-month position, with an eighteen-month option to extend contingent on funding. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. However, the position will begin no later than the Summer 2023 term’s start (May 30, 2023). The position is designed for a lawyer with one to five years of practice experience 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 United States, was established in 2008. Currently, there are more than 70 active cases in the Clinic. The VLC is a one semester three-credit-hour in-house clinic. The clinic operates three semesters per year. 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 pro se advice and referrals in some civil and criminal matters. A Veterans Appellate Clinic (for students who have successfully completed the VLC) is also offered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Detroit Mercy Law Toni Wisne Foundation Veterans Clinic Fellow will include the representation of VLC clients, co-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. Applicants are expected to know how to use the Outlook suite. The candidate will be trained on other software applications, such as the clinic’s case management system, CLIO. 

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates for the position must have:

(1) J.D. from an ABA (American Bar Association) 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) 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 $55,000, plus health benefits and access to university facilities.

Application Procedure: Required documents and references listed below should be submitted electronically to Professor Holly L. Christian no later than January 15, 2023. 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 (unofficial is fine)
3) Writing Sample
4) Cover Letter/Statement of Interest in Veterans Issues and this Fellowship

Reference Requirements: Three references required (name and contact information only)

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should be a licensed attorney in at least one state and be prepared to become VA Accredited, if not already. The principal supervisor for the position will be Professor Holly Christian who directs the Veterans Law Clinic.

Work Environment

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 work independently and as part of a team and possess strong written and oral communication skills. Experience in creative advocacy also is desirable.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience