Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel (Special Services - Arpa/Blight)

LAW DEPARTMENT

Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel/TASS III Attorney (Special Services - ARPA/Blight)

How would you like to work for a Law Firm that is the most diverse in the Nation?

• Has some of the best lawyers in the state always available for consults

• Relaxed and Collegial

•  Located in the exciting Downtown Detroit

36-month temporary position requires experienced attorney under supervision to (1) negotiate and draft compliance agreements with property owner to cure code violations; (2) monitor adherence to compliance agreement terms and handle defaults; (3) represent the City and appear on the record at the Department of Appeals and Hearings attorney docket defending blight violations issued by city agencies; (4) handle complex nuisance abatement projects including litigation with other senior attorneys; (5) Advise city agencies on code enforcement laws, strategies and policies, and participate in meetings and workgroups.  Attorney will be a part of the Blight Removal Task Force that will be support Neighborhood Investment and Public Safety.  This is a senior level attorney position for an experienced individual familiar with City Code and enforcement processes, and who may oversee junior level attorney activities.

We are looking for people who are excited to thrive in an environment of impactful change.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Represents the City of Detroit on blight enforcement matters in administrative hearings and court.

• Performs legal research in preparation for hearings and in the resolution and clarification of legal issues and problems.

• Prepares and carries through simple to moderately complex appeals to higher courts and tribunals.

• Negotiates and drafts documents including contracts, correspondence, compliance agreements, performance plans, payment plans, releases, orders, directives, policies, and tax or property liens.

• Facilitates relations between property owners represented by counsel and City agencies.

• Advises city agencies on correct legal enforcement procedures based on the 2019 Detroit City Code and state and federal law.

• Participate in blight remediation projects and develop strategy and policy as requested.

• Maintain data pertaining to legal actions and prepare reports as requested.

• Review of Document production requests, consultation with document producing departments of the City and defense of litigation regarding any requests for Production.

Qualifications (required):

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association approved institution. 

• 7-10 years of experience with circuit court litigation.

• Member of the Michigan State Bar.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in electronic legal research, title searching, corporate research

• Experience in real property, code enforcement, and municipal law preferred

• Familiarity with the requirements of the 2019 Detroit City Code pertaining to property maintenance, zoning, and dangerous buildings preferred.

• Knowledge of court procedures and legal principles and their application.

• Skill in legal writing and drafting.

• Ability to analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence.

• Ability to present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically.

• Ability to display judicial temperament and poise.

What We'll Offer in Return:

• Generous paid time off

• Free/reduced parking

• World-class training that promotes life-long learning and development

• Vast array of career opportunities

• Ability to drive social impact at the community level

• Ability to contribute to the success of the City of Detroit

Please submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.