Assistant Corporation Counsel Senior

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Pontiac (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County is seeking an experienced attorney to provide trusted legal counsel to administrators and elected officials, protecting the County’s legal and operational interests. The role involves challenging public-sector work, including contracts, real estate transactions, and compliance matters.

You will collaborate with County departments, leadership, and outside counsel while delivering thoughtful analysis, research, and written opinions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor from an accredited college of law.
• At least six (6) years of full-time work experience in the practice of law; several practice areas are desirable.
• Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to County administrators, departments, and elected officials.
• Conduct legal research and draft memorandums for county leaders.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and real estate documents.
• Represent the County in complex civil rights, open meetings, and related matters.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and County departments on litigation and compliance.

Skills

Legal research

Contract negotiation

Public sector law

Litigation experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission – Michigan

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland 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.

Overview & Benefits

Oakland 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.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$109,529- $146,747

This 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 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

• Provide legal advice and counsel to County administrators, departments, and elected officials.
• Conduct legal research, write and draft memorandums to county administrators and elected officials
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and agreements with third parties.
• Review and draft documents for real estate transactions (leases, easements, purchase agreements, and licenses)
• Review contracts for the sale of goods and professional services
• Review and draft intergovernmental agreements
• Review and advise on grant agreements and compliance with grant program requirements
• 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 Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor of Law or a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college of law.
• Have at least six (6) years of full-time work experience in the practice of law. Experience in the following practice areas is desirable: real estate transactions; Governmental Tort Liability Act and tort defense; 42 U.S.C.
• 1983 litigation; criminal defense or prosecution; auto negligence defense; local government taxation, workers’ compensation; employment law; contracts; commercial leases; insurance law; civil trial and appellate experience; and municipal law related to government duties, responsibilities, immunities, and privileges.
• Be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.

Essential Job Functions

Conducts legal research on questions presented by County departments or on litigation matters and provide a written opinion.
Conducts research and renders legal advice to various County administrators and elected officials concerning their rights, obligations and/or privileges.
If assigned, handle complex cases initiated by the County or formulate and present the defense for suits brought against the County. Follows legal precedent in representing the County in civil legal matters in the appropriate courts.
If assigned, review, prepare, and/or negotiate contracts and other legal documents to which the County is a party.
Provide advice on questions concerning laws governing Michigan public bodies such as the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, County Board of Commissioners Act, and laws governing individual County department and elected offices.
Petition Circuit Court for an order to have the lien against private property, which is in arrears in property taxes, reduced to a judgement, enabling the property to be sold at the Treasurer’s foreclosure sale.
Represent County departments in matters brought before the Personnel Appeal Board, which may include reviewing circumstances surrounding disciplinary actions; interviewing supervisors and other witnesses; assisting witnesses in preparing their testimony; and formulating and present the department’s case before the Appeal Board.
Represent the County before the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission in extremely complex civil rights and discrimination proceedings, which may include investigating circumstances surrounding the complaint; researching precedent; preparing witnesses for testimony; and presenting the County’s case.
Draft, review, and negotiate transactions involving real estate and facilities use agreements.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for goods and services, such as contracts for information technology professional services and licenses, and handle legal issues relating to data privacy and data security.
Coordinate efforts and monitor the progress of litigation brought against the County where the County is represented by outside counsel.
Represent petitioners in proceedings seeking court-ordered involuntary hospitalization or community-based treatment mental health treatment for individuals suspected of suffering from mental illness and conduct the necessary legal research and follow the procedures set forth in the Mental Health Code and applicable statutes.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate and accurately convey information.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work 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 Desirable Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the principles of civil law.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
• Considerable knowledge of civil procedure and the rules of evidence.
• Considerable ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
• Considerable ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents related to cases, and to present such material orally and in writing in a clear and logical form.
• Experience and knowledge of commercial transactions in a public environment (i.e., government), including drafting and negotiating complex contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgement and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions and work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Court officials, County administrators, representatives from outside agencies and employees.
• Experience with municipal law and working with governmental entities.
• Familiar with current work processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Union*

BU72 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Corp Counsel/Risk Mgmt Supv (UAW)

• If applicable

EEO Statement

We 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 Statement

Oakland 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.