Assistant Corporation Counsel

Oakland County, MI; Pontiac (MI); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County in Michigan seeks an experienced attorney to represent the County in complex civil matters, provide trusted legal counsel to administrators and elected officials, and help protect the County’s legal and operational interests.

You’ll enjoy this role if you thrive on challenging public‑sector litigation, collaborative work, and delivering meaningful outcomes for residents. Hybrid work arrangement available.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum four (4) years of full-time practice in the general practice of law.
• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.
• Pass the required examination and complete probation period.

Responsibilities

• Develops and prosecutes highly complex cases initiated by the County and represents the County in civil litigation.
• Provides legal advice to County administrators and elected officials.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts and agreements.
• Participates in discovery, hearings, negotiations, and trials.

Skills

Legal research

Contract negotiation

Litigation

Advising government officials

Public sector law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Overview & BenefitsOakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hireGeneral Summary$103,072-$138,095This position is hybrid.Are you an experienced attorney looking for an opportunity to apply your legal expertise while making an impact in public service? As an attorney with Oakland County, you’ll represent the County in complex civil matters, provide trusted legal counsel to administrators and elected officials, and help protect the County’s legal and operational interests. You’ll enjoy this role if you thrive on challenging legal work, variety, collaboration, and the opportunity to serve your community.What You’ll Do• Represent Oakland County in complex civil litigation and other legal matters.• Provide legal advice and counsel to County administrators, departments, and elected officials.• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions, briefs, pleadings, motions, and other legal documents.• Develop, prosecute, and defend complex civil cases involving the County.• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and agreements with third parties.• Participate in discovery, hearings, negotiations, trials, and other phases of litigation.• Identify legal risks and provide guidance on compliance with applicable laws and regulations.• Collaborate with County departments, leadership, outside counsel, and other stakeholders.Why You’ll Love It• Work on diverse and meaningful legal matters that directly impact Oakland County and its residents.• Gain exposure to complex issues across a wide range of County operations and services.• Serve as a trusted legal resource to County leaders and elected officials.• Apply your litigation, research, writing, negotiation, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic public-sector environment.• Build a rewarding legal career while contributing to effective and responsible local government.Minimum QualificationsEXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESREQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSPossess a Bachelor of Law or a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college of law.NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( http://naces.org/members.html ). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.Have had at least four (4) years of full‑time work experience in the general practice of law.Be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.Successfully complete the six month probationary period.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSDevelops and prosecutes highly complex cases initiated by the County and formulates and presents the defense for suits brought against the County. Represents the County in civil legal matters in the appropriate courts.Conducts legal research and analysis and provides written opinions.Provides legal advice to County administrators and elected officials concerning their rights, obligations and/or privileges.Represents the County when petitioners seek to involuntarily commit individuals to mental institutions or obtain assisted outpatient orders for treatment. Follows the requirements and procedures of the Mental Health and Probate Codes.Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts for land and/or buildings purchased, sold, or rented by the County.Prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts, grants and other legal documents for the County.Works with the County Treasurer to ensure property may be foreclosed upon and sold at the May tax sale.Represents County departments in matters brought before the Personnel Appeal Board. Formulates and presents the department's case before the Appeal Board.Represents the County before the Michigan Civil Rights Commission in civil rights and discrimination proceedings.Represents the Treasurer in actions concerning tax collections and property sales.Pursues delinquent charges, when appropriate, against legally responsible parties either in District or Circuit Court, for reimbursement of costs owed to the County.Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTSAbility to communicate to accurately convey information.WORKING CONDITIONSWork is performed in a typical office environment.IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.Additional Minimum QualificationsUnion*BU72 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Corp Counsel/Risk Mgmt Supv (UAW)*If applicableEEO StatementWe are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.Inclusion StatementOakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.