Client Community Engagement Fellow

Apply for NLADA’s inaugural Client & Community Advocacy Fellowship. Be a part of NLADA’s first cohort working around the country to improve client outcomes and engagement.

This position is the Client Community Engagement Fellow at Michigan Indian Legal Services. 

NLADA is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in delivering legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. We provide advocacy, guidance, information, training, and technical assistance for members of the equal justice community, especially those working in public defense and civil legal aid. For more than a century, we have connected and supported people across the country committed to justice. Because the quality of justice in America should not depend on how much money a person has, NLADA leads a broad network of advocates on the frontlines to advance justice and expand opportunity for all by promoting excellence in delivering legal services for people who cannot afford counsel. Our strategy toward equal justice is focused on equity and centering the voices of directly impacted communities.

The chosen Fellow will serve at Michigan Indian Legal Services. MILS is a statewide provider of free legal services to low-income Native Americans and tribes. MILS represents Indian individuals, families, tribes and organizations in cases that span a range of tribal and federal Indian law cases.

Main office located in Traverse City, Michigan. Qualified candidates from across the state of Michigan will be considered.

Who Should Apply?

We strongly encourage applications from:

• Former clients of civil legal aid or public defender offices
• Community advocates with lived experience navigating legal systems
• Individuals passionate about equity, justice, and systems change
• Leaders who bring cultural humility, courage, and a commitment to improving access to justice

Fellowship Structure

The Client Community Engagement Fellow will be a full-time staff member of Michigan Indian Legal Services and will work closely with MILS staff and leadership. The Fellow will:

• Work primarily from the Michigan Indian Legal Services office or remotely within Michigan
• Receive day-to-day supervision from Michigan Indian Legal Services
• Participate in weekly professional development trainings and cohort sessions hosted by NLADA
• Collaborate with other Fellows across the country as part of NLADA’s national fellowship cohort

PROJECT GOAL

To optimize the client journey at Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) by modernizing internal service delivery systems and deepening integration within the Michigan Civil Justice Ecosystem, ensuring that Tribal members encounter a seamless, culturally responsive, and efficient path to justice.

You must:

• Be a Client or former Client based upon NLADA’s definition*
• Be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Be available full-time for 18 months
• Commit to serving four days per week at a host site + Friday NLADA trainings

*In the NLADA community, the definition of client includes those who have received either civil legal aid or public defense services, and community advocate refers to former clients who are now working alongside civil legal aid and public defenders to improve equal justice

REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION:   Please upload your resume along with your answers to the following questions: 

Please respond to the following prompts (300–500 words each unless otherwise noted):

A. Lived Experience & Motivation

Please describe your lived experience with civil legal aid, public defense services or navigating a system that created barriers to justice. In what ways did this experience shape your desire to improve access to justice?

B. Community Voice & Systems Change

What does it mean to you to center community voice in legal systems?
Provide an example of how you have elevated the voice of others or advocated for change.

C. Equity & Justice

NLADA is committed to expanding equitable access to justice.
How do you define equity? How would you bring an equity-centered approach to this fellowship?

D. Collaboration & Professional Growth

This fellowship includes structured supervision, collaboration with legal professionals, and participation in a national cohort.

• What strengths would you bring to this environment?
• What skills or knowledge do you hope to develop over the 18 months?

Salary Information: The Fellow salary is $70,000 over 18 months and will be paid biweekly by Michigan Indian Legal Services. The Fellow will be an employee of Michigan Indian Legal Services and will receive compensation and employment benefits through MILS in accordance with its employment policies.

Please note: Although this fellowship is part of NLADA’s national Client & Community Advocacy Fellowship program, the selected Fellow will be employed by and work for Michigan Indian Legal Services, not NLADA.

Physical Demands: Constantly stationary; occasionally requires moving about the office and frequently to attend meetings. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery. Frequently communicates and exchanges information. Seldom requires lifting of up to 10 pounds. 

NLADA is committed to fair employment practices and equal employment opportunity regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, ethnicity, family-care status, gender identity (including characteristics and/or expression), marital status, matriculation at a college, medical condition (including HIV/AIDS), chronic illness, pregnancy, childbirth (or other related medical conditions), membership in a labor union or union activities covered by the Act, mental disability, national origin, personal appearance, height and weight, physical disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. 

NLADA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources.