Administrative Special Services Staff III (Law Department - Blight Division)

City of Detroit; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Detroit’s Law Department – Blight Division seeks a Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel. The role focuses on enforcing cannabis-related matters and navigating administrative hearings and court proceedings with extensive circuit court experience.

Ideal candidates bring 7–10 years of circuit court litigation, 1–2 years of bankruptcy litigation, and a JD from an ABA-approved school. Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills are required to advance city interests.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-approved institution.
• Active Michigan State Bar membership in good standing.
• 7–10 years of circuit court litigation experience.
• 1–2 years of Bankruptcy Litigation experience.
• Experience in cannabis law.
• Proficient in electronic legal research.
• Knowledge of court procedures and legal principles.
• Skill in legal writing and drafting.
• Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City of Detroit in enforcement matters involving marijuana at administrative hearings and court.
• Specialize in cannabis law and policy, staying abreast of nationwide trends and changes.
• Litigation against convenience stores and gas stations selling illegal products and unlicensed operations.
• Perform legal research for hearings and for resolution of legal issues.
• Prepare and carry through complex appeals to higher courts and tribunals.
• Advise City agencies on correct enforcement procedures based on the Detroit City Code and law.
• Participate in enforcement projects and develop strategy and policy as needed.
• Review document production requests with producing departments and in defense litigation.
• Review license materials and other tasks as directed.

Skills

Cannabis law

Legal research

Court procedures

Legal writing

Analytical reasoning

Clear communication

Judicial temperament

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA-approved)

Michigan State Bar membership in good standing

Job description

LAW DEPARTMENT - BLIGHT DIVISION

SENIOR ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIAL SERVICES STAFF III

How would you like to work for a law firm that is the most diverse in the nation?

• Provides opinions and drafts legislation addressing a wide variety of complex and novel subjects including cutting edge constitutional matters
• Has some of the best lawyers in the state always available for consults
• Relaxed and collegial work environment
• Located in exciting downtown Detroit

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

~ this is an Administrative Special Services (TASS) position ~

What You’ll Be Doing

• Represent the City Of Detroit in enforcement matters involving marijuana at administrative hearings and court.
• Become a specialist in cannabis law and policy, staying abreast of the nationwide legal trends, state legislation, and rule changes.
• Litigation against convenience stores and gas stations selling illegal products and unlicensed operations.
• Perform legal research in preparation for hearings and in the resolution and clarification of legal issues and problems.
• Prepare and carry through complex appeals to higher courts and tribunals.
• Advise City agencies on correct legal enforcement procedures based on the 2019 Detroit City Code and state and federal law.
• Participate in enforcement projects and develop strategy and policy as requested.
• Review of document production requests, consultation with document producing departments of the city and defense litigation regarding requests for production.
• Review of license materials and other tasks as directed.

What You Should Have

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association approved institution.
• Must be a member in good standing with the Michigan State Bar.
• 7 - 10 years of experience with circuit court litigation.
• 1 - 2 years of experience with Bankruptcy Litigation.

This is an Administrative Special Services Staff (TASS) position.

Appointment Term is based on availability of funds.

The continuation of this role depends on the availability of ongoing funding.

Employment beyond the current grant period is not guaranteed and will be based on the renewal of funding.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in cannabis law.
• Proficient in electronic legal research.
• Knowledge of court procedures and legal principals 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.
• Exceptional communication skills.

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.