Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel (Law Department - Litigation Section)

Full Job Description

LAW DEPARTMENT

SENIOR ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

LITIGATION SECTION

We represent Detroit in all civil actions.

Public service is calling you!

Defend the treasury of one of America’s greatest cities!

How would you like to conduct high stakes civil rights jury trials in federal court?

• Defend the City of Detroit in high exposure wrongful death motor vehicle lawsuits?
• Expose financial fraud in no fault cases?
• Prosecute lawsuits against derelict commercial property owners?
• Litigate complex commercial matters and significant legislation and public policy matters?
• Work and learn in a law firm that is the most diverse in the nation?
• Enjoy a relaxed and collegial work environment as well as a flexible hybrid work schedule.

Located in rejuvenated exciting Downtown Detroit!

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Defending the City of Detroit and its employees in the following legal specialties:

• Civil rights police misconduct
• Motor vehicle negligence
• Motor vehicle no fault
• Breach of contract
• Municipal litigation

Under supervision, handling a caseload and working as lead attorney in:

• Jury and bench trials
• Arbitrations, facilitation, and mediations
• Depositions
• Motions hearing
• Investigation and discovery

Qualifications

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association-approved institution
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the above specified Litigation specialties
• Tort litigation and governmental immunity experience preferred
• Excellent legal writing and verbal communications skills
• Outstanding references from former employers

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• License to practice in the State of Michigan

Additional Information

Please attach a cover letter, resume with references, and a writing sample.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE:

ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The techniques of legal research, particularly applied corporation law
• Legal subjects and State and Federal statutes applicable to municipal corporation law
• Court procedures and legal principles and their application
• Adjudication principles and practices

ADVANCED SKILL IN:

• Excellent analytical, legal writing, and oral advocacy skills, self-discipline
• Effectively organize and manage independent caseloads presenting multiple simultaneous priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills: and commitment to participate in a team-oriented practice environment
• Legal writing and drafting
• Developing legal arguments and applying legal principles to legal problems
• Effective problem-solving techniques
• Legal writing and drafting
• Oral and written communication

ADVANCED ABILITY TO:

• Analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence
• Present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically
• Interact affectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy
• Display judicial temperament and poise

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Exciting work involves office and fields activities and may entail out-of-town travel
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work schedule

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

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class.

Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.