Assistant City Attorney

City of Lansing; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lansing is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to handle civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative matters within the Office of the City Attorney. The role requires J.D. and active Michigan bar admission, with experience in trial work and legal procedures.

The attorney will represent the City in state and federal courts, draft opinions, review claims, and assist with FOIA, contracts, and legislative drafting as needed.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and admission to the State Bar of Michigan.
• Knowledge of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law.
• Experience in trial practice, court rules and evidence handling.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City in State and Federal courts for jury trials, non-jury trials, formal hearings, motions and appeals.
• Direct, conduct, analyze, and collect information, witnesses, and evidence for trials, defenses, and appeals.
• Act as an ombudsman screening inquiries and providing information about city legal resources.
• Represent the City in complex civil litigation in various courts and tribunals.
• Research and draft legal opinions in response to requests from Council Members, Department Heads, and the Mayor.
• Review claims against the City and advise relevant personnel and committees.
• Handle FOIA requests and contract review; assist with legislative drafting.

Skills

Civil, Criminal, Constitutional Law

Trial practice

Court Rules & Evidence

Legal Research & Opinions

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

The City of Lansing's Office of City Attorney's Office is seeking an Assistant City Attorney. Candidates will have knowledge of legal principles and practices including civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and procedures; additionally, knowledge and/or experience in trial practice procedures, court rules, and the rules of evidence.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• J.D. Degree from an accredited school of law, admission to and maintenance of membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan

PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires the individual through assistance or on their own to sit, speak, hear, listen, finger dexterity &/or feeling, reaching, near vision and far vision. Possess a valid license and be able to drive a motor vehicle.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Office and court environment, public and elected officials' meetings.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

The essential position functions listed below do not include all functions, which may be found in this position as duties, and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

• Represents the City in the State and Federal courts for jury trials, non-jury trials, formal hearings, motions and any attendant appeals.
• Directs, conducts, analyzes, organizes and obtains information, statements, witnesses, and evidence for the ongoing conducts of trials, defenses and appeals in all judicial and administrative bodies.
• Acts as an ombudsman screening complaints for individuals seeking warrants, letters, enforcement information, resolution of neighborhood complaints or general information about the City of Lansing or other law related information.
• Represents the City in complex civil litigation in various courts and tribunals.
• Investigates, researches, and drafts legal opinions in response to requests from Council Members, Department Heads, the Mayor and other City staff
• Reviews claims filed against the City and makes recommendations to appropriate City personnel and committees.
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Contract review
• Legislative drafting

The City of Lansing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Certified Veteran Friendly Employer.

The City of Lansing provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or during employment, notify the Department of Human Resources at [phone]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The City of Lansing is a an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its policies or practices on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, height, weight, or disability of any individual.

City of Lansing’s Anti-Religious Discrimination and Religious Accommodation Policy

City of Lansing Anti-Retaliation Policy