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City of Dearborn · 2 days ago

Corporation Counsel

Dearborn, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$175K/yr - $175K/yr

5+ years exp

The City of Dearborn is seeking a Corporation Counsel to provide legal solutions to complex organizational problems throughout the City. The role involves offering legal advice to City officials, supervising professional staff, and managing legal representation in various matters, including litigation, real estate, and labor issues.

GovernmentHealth CareTransportation

Responsibilities

Provides complex legal advice and services to City officials, departments, boards and commissions relating to official City duties, which may involve expensive and complicated litigation

Responsible for providing legal advice and direction to other department directors on vital and complicated issues

Provides supervision of professional staff and coordinates legal representation of the City’s interests by outside counsel

Responsible for the City risk management programs including insurance and self-insurance programs and workers’ compensation administration

Responsible for the coordination of City legal representation on real estate matters and other major development activities

Responsible for the coordination of City legal representation on matters of employment and labor issues within the City workforce

Performs or assigns requests for legal research on various topics as requested by the City

Reviews documents, contracts or other written instruments on a variety of topics and addresses their legal implications as requested

Drafts contracts on behalf of the City and approves all contracts the City enters into

Approves all procurement requests such as professional staff and goods, and is a standing member of all specifications committees and review panels

Independently prepares ordinances and resolutions or as directed by City officials

Required to appear regularly at City Council meetings and at other public meetings and is expected to provide immediate and decisive legal opinions

Represents or coordinates the representation of the City in court and is ultimately responsible for the litigation of all lawsuits that involve the City

Prepares criminal warrants as needed

Oversees the prosecution of a high volume of District Court ordinance violations

Serves as a liaison to community organizations

Represents the City Administration in a variety of public forums, may speak publicly at special events

Acts as the Legal Information Officer and Legal Spokesperson related to all legal matters for the City

Maintains current knowledge of legal developments and current issues related to municipal affairs and acts as a legislative liaison to the Michigan Municipal League

Coordinates recruitment and hiring of department staff with the Human Resources Department. Assigns work, supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures

Continually improves the quality of all operations

Keeps abreast of changing regulations and policies through continued education and professional growth. Maintains cooperative relationships with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate

Prepares and presents annual budget requests, administers departmental budget, and ensures that the authorized budgetary procedure is properly used. Reviews purchase requests, overtime usage, expense reports, and other related requests

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance

Qualification

Juris Doctor degreeLicensed to practice lawLitigation skillsPublic speakingMunicipal law experienceEmployee managementCase managementStrategic planningCommunity engagementWritten communicationVerbal communication

Required

Must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan

Must have a minimum of five years of applicable work experience

Knowledge and demonstrated experience in a variety of areas of the practice of law

Must have excellent public speaking skills to communicate information in public forums effectively

Demonstrated and effective litigation skills

Must be capable of handling high profile, very public legal work

Maintains a highly visible position in the community by virtue of responsibilities and is expected to project a positive image of the City Administration at all times

Must be capable of making immediate, informed decisions on a variety of legal issues spanning all aspects of municipal law

Must be a skilled diplomat in matters which are high profile, very sensitive and contentious

Must be a skilled facilitator among diverse groups of people

Experience as an attorney or administrator in a municipal law department

Demonstrated office skills, employee management and case management skills

Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to develop, articulate and implement strategic plans

Ability to establish departmental goals and meet established timetables and financial targets

Ability to build community consensus and support for projects and programs

Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, professional contacts, community groups, residents, elected officials, and regulatory agencies

Ability to work on multiple tasks in a very public and fast-paced environment

Ability to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and make presentations in public forums

Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and changes in work priorities

Ability to continually improve the quality of all operations

A valid driver license and a good driving record