Goodman Hurwitz & James PC

04/09/2025

Goodman Hurwitz & James, P.C. seek Full Time Paralegal

Law Firm Description: Plaintiffs’ civil rights litigation law firm near downtown Detroit. 4 attorneys; small administrative staff. Specializes in police misconduct, wrongful conviction, governmental and corporate misconduct, as well as some other tort claims and pro bono work.

Job Description:
• 40 hours per week, hybrid (3 days in office and 2 days remote after probation).
• Review, summarize/index, organize, and assist attorneys in identifying substantive follow up needed for (often voluminous) discovery documents;
• Create pdfs; Bates stamp, catalogue and organize documents on network;
• Prepare exhibits for depositions and court filings (extract excerpts of relevant documents, highlight quoted language, label with exhibit numbers, draft table of exhibits);
• Draft and send record requests (FOIA, medical, employment, subpoenas, etc.), calendar response deadlines for follow up, and review, summarize, and organize documents produced;
• Share or receive records via cloud sharing platforms;
• Monitor deadlines and help attorneys stay on track to meet them; and
• Assist with basic administrative needs – answer phones, set up meeting rooms, load/run/empty dishwasher, etc. Duties may occasionally include running errands, ordering lunch, etc.
Candidate Qualities:
• Paralegal Certificate or BA– candidates with comparable education or experience are also encouraged to apply;
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat is required – additional technical skills for trouble-shooting computer, printer, and/or website (WordPress) are desired;
• Excellent organizational skills are essential;
• Stellar communication and effective writing skills are ideal;
• Familiarity with federal and Michigan rules of civil procedure are desired;
• Reliability and strong work ethic are important, including occasional willingness to work outside regular business hours;
• Cooperation with coworkers is vital, including pitching in on urgent tasks;
• Commitment to social justice, with understanding of interplay between our cases and larger issues; and
• Persistence and tenacity encouraged.

Much of our work seeks to provide relief to marginalized communities who are disproportionately harmed by police, government, and corporate misconduct – including people of color, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage applications from members of these and other marginalized communities.

Base pay is commensurate with experience. Discretionary bonuses may be available. Health care reimbursement, paid holiday and vacation days are provided after probation (typically 90 days); paid sick time available immediately. Free onsite parking.

Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected].

11/04/2024

Congratulations to Julie Hurwitz on her well-deserved award from the National Lawyers Guild! We follow her lead in carrying on the legacy of our beloved partner, Bill Goodman, and his father, Ernie, for whom the award is named.

08/13/2024

Please share this job posting in your network.

07/16/2024

Goodman Hurwitz & James, P.C. seek Full Time Paralegal

Law Firm Description: Plaintiffs’ civil rights litigation law firm near downtown Detroit. 5 attorneys; small administrative staff. Specializes in police misconduct, wrongful conviction, governmental and corporate misconduct, as well as other tort claims and pro bono work.

Job Description:
• 40 hours per week, primarily in-person (remote work may be occasionally required or recommended, per Covid-19 precautions);
• Review, summarize/index, organize, and assist attorneys in identifying substantive follow up needed for (often voluminous) discovery documents;
• Create pdfs; Bates stamp, catalogue and organize documents on network;
• Prepare exhibits for depositions and court filings (extract excerpts of relevant documents, highlight quoted language, label with exhibit numbers, draft table of exhibits);
• Draft and send record requests (FOIA, medical, employment, subpoenas, etc.), calendar response deadlines for follow up, and review, summarize, and organize documents produced;
• Share or receive records via cloud sharing platforms;
• Monitor deadlines and help attorneys stay on track to meet them; and
• Assist with basic administrative needs – answer phones, set up meeting rooms, load/run/empty dishwasher, etc. Duties may occasionally include running errands, ordering lunch, etc.

Candidate Qualities:
• Paralegal Certificate or JD preferred – candidates with comparable education or experience are also encouraged to apply;
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat are required – additional technical skills for trouble-shooting computer, printer, and/or website (Wordpress) are desired;
• Excellent organizational skills are essential;
• Stellar communication and effective writing skills are ideal;
• Familiarity with federal and Michigan rules of civil procedure are desired;
• Reliability and strong work ethic are important, including occasional willingness to work outside regular business hours;
• Cooperation with coworkers is vital, including pitching in on urgent tasks;
• Commitment to social justice, with understanding of interplay between our cases and larger issues; and
• Persistence and tenacity encouraged.
• Much of our work seeks to provide relief to marginalized communities who are disproportionately harmed by police, government, and corporate misconduct – including people of color, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage applications from members of these and other marginalized communities.

Hourly pay rate is commensurate with experience. Discretionary bonuses may be available. Health care reimbursement, paid holiday and vacation days are provided after 90 days; paid sick time available immediately. Free onsite parking.

Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected].

11/18/2023

We are at a loss for words. Thank you National Lawyers Guild Detroit & Michigan Chapter President Sara Habbo for allowing us to use yours while we grieve:

It is with heavy hearts that we honor and celebrate the life of William “Bill” Goodman, who died yesterday at the age of 83. A dedicated advocate for justice, civil liberties, and human rights, Bill is a giant in our community because of his willingness to mentor new attorneys, sharing his time and expertise to build up the movement. As was his wish, he continued his work up until the very end of his incredible life.

Bill's commitment to justice was deeply rooted in his upbringing. The son of Ernest Goodman, a trailblazing attorney who opened the country's first racially integrated law firm in 1951, Bill carried on the family legacy of fighting for human rights and civil liberties. His father's influence, combined with a transformative summer job working at a small African-American law firm in Virginia, shaped Bill's perspective on the importance of being part of history and working with real people in the struggle for justice.

Bill's commitment to justice led him to New York in 1998, where he became the legal director at the Center for Constitutional Rights. At the Center for Constitutional Rights, he took on cases challenging U.S. military policies, especially in the aftermath of 9/11. Bill sought justice for detainees at Guantanamo, challenging the constitutionality of their detention and the violation of their rights, sought justice for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, and defended the wrongfully convicted teens in the notorious "Central Park jogger" case.

A true champion for justice, Bill took on powerful entities, including the Bush administration, the New York City Police Department, and the state prison system. His legal battles involved cases related to domestic wiretapping, prisoner rights amid the "war on terror," and the defense of a Yemeni sheik charged with supporting terrorist groups. Here in Detroit, he was so respected by our National Lawyers Guild chapter he was made a permanent member of our Board of Directors.

Throughout his career, Bill was involved in landmark cases, including the defense of leaders of the Michigan Communist Party and representation of Black Panthers. His legal prowess and eloquence made him a beacon of inspiration in the legal community.

Bill shared that he would most like to be remembered for his work on the Attica Prison Uprising of 1971. The work that he and his father did resulted in dismissed cases, successful litigation or a governor’s pardon for almost every single criminal prosecution, of which there were a couple thousand.

Bill's impact was not limited to legal battles. He played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and activism, inspiring others to join the fight for justice. His legacy lives on in the numerous individuals he inspired and the countless lives he touched.

As we mourn the loss of Bill Goodman, let us celebrate his tireless efforts to preserve civil liberties, fight for justice, and challenge the powerful. His legacy serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is a noble and ongoing journey that requires unwavering dedication, just as Bill exemplified throughout his remarkable life.

We will share the information for the memorial service once we have it.

Please join us in sending love to Bill and Julie's family.

In solidarity and strength,

Sara

PS. I know Bill wanted to be remembered most for his Attica work, but his willingness to do anything for the movement is something I won't ever forget - especially his work in our PSA. Rest in Power, Bill.

Link to funeral arrangements: https://www.irakaufman.com/mobile/detail.php?id=9051

11/07/2023

Please share this important information with any former Douglas J students.
Here's the link to submit a claim: www.cosmetologyschoolsettlement.com

If you know persons who were cosmetology students in Michigan between 2012 and 2022 at a Douglas J Aveda Institute school, please let them know that there is a potential class action settlement that they may be eligible to participate in. This was a case brought by the Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice and the Goodman Hurwitz & James law firm claiming compensation for certain activities that students were required to perform. More information is available at www.cosmetologyschoolsettlement.com

10/16/2023

Attention law students:
We are seeking a part time law clerk to begin ASAP.
Please contact [email protected]
for more info

07/31/2023

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐳 & 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐏.𝐂. 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭

Law Firm Description: Plaintiffs’ civil rights litigation law firm near downtown Detroit. Four attorneys; small administrative staff. Specializes in police misconduct, wrongful conviction, governmental and corporate misconduct, as well as some other tort claims and pro bono work.

Job Description: Small firm environment provides opportunity to participate in all aspects of trial preparation and litigation, including but not limited to:
• 40 hours per week, primarily in-person (remote work may be occasionally required or recommended, per Covid-19 precautions);
• Manage outgoing and incoming court filings and calendar deadlines (proofread, add tables/indexes, file with court, save and circulate incoming filings);
• Maintain calendar;
• Advise attorneys of upcoming deadlines and provide support as needed;
• Draft correspondence, emails, proposed orders, and other papers;
• Coordinate with opposing counsel, process servers, court reporters, and other vendors;
• Manage attorney time records and invoices;
• Schedule and confirm meetings and depositions, provide directions or phone/video conference instructions; and
• Assist with all administrative needs, along with other support staff – answer phones, set up or clean up meeting rooms, empty/load/run office dishwasher, etc.; occasionally run errands, order lunch, etc.

Candidate Qualities:
• Excellent communication, organizational, and writing skills are essential;
• Relevant work experience required;
• Familiarity with Federal and Michigan rules of civil procedure required;
• Experience with e-filing in federal or state courts required (experience with both preferred);
• Must be able to demonstrate compassion to clients with diverse and often traumatic backgrounds;
• Cooperation with coworkers is vital, including providing support for urgent tasks;
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat are required – additional technical skills for trouble-shooting basic computer and/or printer needs are desired;
• Reliability and strong work ethic desired, including occasional willingness to work outside regular business hours;
• Commitment to social justice desired; and
• Persistence and tenacity encouraged.

Compensation: Base wage range is $19-25 per hour, commensurate with experience. Discretionary bonuses may be available. Health care reimbursement, paid holiday and vacation days are provided after 90 days; paid sick time available immediately. Free onsite parking.

Much of our work seeks to provide relief to marginalized communities who are disproportionately harmed by police, government, and corporate misconduct – including people of color, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage applications from members of these and other marginalized communities.

Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected].

02/20/2023

Attorney and Partner, Ferndale Councilmember Kat Bruner James was involved in the creation of Oakland County's first civilian police advisory and review board. The ordinance passed last week. Congratulations Kat!

If approved, there will be five citizens appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by the council.

09/22/2022

Law and Disorder July 11, 2022 Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Immigration https://lawanddisorder.org/wp-content/uploads/lawanddisorder20220711.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download Kennedy v. Bremerton School District: Rights To Religious Expression In The Workplace On June 27, 202...

06/03/2022

Check out attorney Bill Goodman in collaboration with Three Lyons Creative and the National Lawyers Guild Detroit & Michigan Chapter offering valuable legal advice!