Senior Associate General Counsel

City of Detroit•DWSD -735 Randolph Detroit MI 48226, MI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Associate General Counsel assists the Chief General Counsel and Chief Deputy General Counsel in providing expert legal strategy and advice on matters impacting the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD); prosecutes and defends complex and sophisticated legal actions including legal actions of first impression; trains and assists more junior colleagues; prepares, reviews, and interprets legal documents; develops and implements policies and procedures; organizes tasks and sets priorities that involve a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion. This position requires strong research, writing and litigation skills and experience. This is not an entry level position.

Requirements

Personal injury litigation and commercial/contract litigation
WestLaw and/or Lexis Nexis legal research systems
Major principles, practices, methods, and techniques of Michigan law and legal practice, including the Michigan Court Rules, the Michigan Rules of Evidence and the Michigan Rules of Professional Responsibility.
Proper handling and dissemination of confidential information
Microsoft Office
Effectively, efficiently and independently handle and manage cases from start to finish
Conduct thorough independent and original research using sound analysis to provide appropriate recommendations to resolve specific issues
Formulate reasonable and effective conclusions
Protect and represent the organization’s values and confidences
Act as a proactive trusted advisor and leader
Utilize legal software programs
Use advanced technology
Contribute to leadership planning
Identify legal issues and research relevant legal and business issues
Independently conduct discovery and take ownership of assigned cases
Write effectively, persuasively and with appropriate legal style and citation
Apply legal principles to address operational issues and concerns
Work independently with minimal guidance and supervision
Research and respond to inquiries regarding law, policies, procedures, and programs.
Make judgments and decisions that are guided by applicable law, policies, procedures, and high personal standards of ethics and integrity
Act independently and know when to refer situations to the General Counsel, other DWSD Divisions, or external agencies
Interpret, explain, and apply pertinent City, state, and federal laws and regulations, ordinances, policies and procedures
Draft, understand and apply contract terms and provisions
Understand, interpret, and apply rules, standards, or procedures and persuade others to accept or adopt recommendations
Conduct thorough investigations, determine methodologies, and obtain basic data necessary to evaluate solutions to complex problems and issues with multiple variables
Promote and maintain the highest personal and professional integrity and comply with applicable professional ethics, rules and regulations
Understand, apply, and/or adapt complex/conflicting oral or written regulations or guidelines to diverse and dissimilar situations
Effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about process, equipment or potential problems
Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
Direct team activities or to work as a team member
Juris Doctor’s degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association
Currently actively licensed to practice law within the State of Michigan
More than five (5) years of litigation experience
Extensive experience in conducting all phases of discovery as well as lay and expert depositions
Sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying.
Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity
Work is performed in an office, plant or field environment with exposure to computer screens, working in team offices and closely with all staffing levels.
Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan
Valid Michigan Driver’s License
Ability to work irregular hours, to commute to DWSD facilities and work sites, and respond to after hour emergencies and on-call responses
Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.

Nice To Haves

DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment.
DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.
Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Responsibilities

Act as a senior legal policymaker for the organization.
Provide legal support to the DWSD and its Board of Water Commissioners.
Prepare, coordinate, represent and support DWSD’s representation in legislative and public processes and proceedings.
Handle more complicated and sophisticated litigation and dispute matters for DWSD by preparing, prosecuting, coordinating, representing, litigating or assisting in the litigation of DWSD interests in administrative and court proceedings, and other disputes impacting the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan or federal jurisprudence.
Supervise outside counsel as necessary in representing DWSD in matters as directed by General Counsel.
Research, draft, prepare, review and advise on legal documents including but not limited to forms, contracts, memoranda, opinions, client advisories, and correspondence.
Develop, coordinate, implement, and conduct legal strategy and negotiations in support of DWSD business objectives.
Provide advice, counsel and support for business initiatives.
Exercise management authority as delegated by the Chief General Counsel or the Chief Deputy General Counsel, as necessary to further the legal interests of the organization.
Maintain current active membership in the State Bar of Michigan with knowledge of law and practice in relevant areas.
Follow safety policies and procedures in carrying out duties.
Create and provide training to less senior members of General Counsel staff and to DWSD organizationally as directed by the General Counsel.
Prepare, conduct, support, and participate in internal and external meetings.
Handle or assist in the handling of administrative duties for the division including but not limited to file maintenance, data entry, personnel management, business processes and procedures, and other matters as assigned.
Design, implement, and support the design and implementation of organizational initiatives and special projects.
Manage and assist in managing vendor relationships including outside counsel.
Prepare, conduct, support or assist with the supporting of organizational training and training materials.
Provide periodic reviews of processes and procedures and take action to ensure appropriate functionality.
Perform related work duties as assigned.