Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel (LAW Department - Litigation Division)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Department's Litigation Division represents the City of Detroit in all civil actions. This role involves defending the city and its employees in various legal specialties, including civil rights, police misconduct, motor vehicle negligence and no-fault cases, breach of contract, and municipal litigation. The position offers the opportunity to conduct high-stakes civil jury trials in federal court, defend against wrongful death lawsuits, investigate financial fraud, and prosecute cases against derelict property owners. It also involves litigating complex commercial matters and significant legislation and public policy issues within a diverse and collegial work environment that offers a flexible hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association-approved institution.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in litigation specialties such as civil rights, police misconduct, motor vehicle negligence, motor vehicle no-fault, breach of contract, and municipal litigation.
License to practice in the State of Michigan.
Excellent legal writing and verbal communications skills.
Outstanding references from former employers.

Nice To Haves

Tort litigation and governmental immunity experience preferred.
Advanced knowledge of legal research techniques, applied corporation law, legal subjects and statutes applicable to municipal corporation law, court procedures, legal principles, adjudication principles and practices.
Advanced skill in analytical, legal writing, and oral advocacy skills, self-discipline, organizing and managing independent caseloads, interpersonal skills, legal writing and drafting, developing legal arguments, problem-solving techniques, and communication.
Advanced ability to analyze facts, evidence, and precedence, present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically, interact effectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel, and display judicial temperament and poise.

Responsibilities

Defending the City of Detroit and its employees in civil rights, police misconduct, motor vehicle negligence, motor vehicle no-fault, breach of contract, and municipal litigation.
Under supervision, handling a caseload and working as lead attorney in jury and bench trials, arbitrations, mediations, depositions, motions hearings, investigation, and discovery.