Senior Attorney

Dearborn, City of (MI); Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 82,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dearborn seeks a seasoned attorney to prepare, prosecute, and defend complex cases and provide a wide range of legal services to the City. This role may supervise staff and requires collaboration with outside counsel and City departments to advance legal objectives.

Responsibilities include case preparation, legal research, drafting opinions, and court appearances. The position may involve supervising staff and supporting resolutions, ordinances, and real estate/insurance matters for

Qualifications

• JD degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Municipal legal experience preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in Michigan; admission to federal courts within one year; valid MI driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff by prioritizing and assigning work.
• Prepare case materials, conduct discovery, and perform comprehensive legal research.
• Argue motions in court and handle related tasks.
• Provide legal guidance to City departments and staff; draft resolutions, ordinances, and opinions.
• Work with outside counsel and governmental agencies.
• Review insurance coverage and contracts to protect City interests.

Skills

Legal research

Court advocacy

Case management

Policy guidance

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Legal databases

Job description

The current vacancy is in the Regional Managed Assigned Council (RMAC) Department.

STARTING SALARY: $96,396 per year

Position will typically hire at minimum pay and follow a step progression to maximum

CLASS SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for preparing, prosecuting, and defending complex cases and providing a wide range of complex legal services to the City. Responsibilities may include case preparation; reviewing documents for legal implications; preparation of opinions on assigned legal matters; and appearing in court for assigned cases. May supervise others.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• May supervise staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; coordinating staff training; and supporting personnel procedures.
• Performs case preparation of assigned areas, including: reviewing and preparing documents; performing discovery, comprehensive legal research, and trial advocacy; and performing related tasks.
• Argues motions in court; and performs related tasks.
• Administers legal aspects of a worker’s compensation, tax, civil liability, or other areas, as assigned.
• Investigates various claims against the City and recommends appropriate legal action.
• Reviews insurance coverage and related contracts to ensure proper protection of the City; negotiates, prepares, and approves real estate transaction documents.
• Provides a wide range of legal guidance to City departments and staff; including preparing resolutions, ordinances, and legal opinions.
• Work with outside counsel and governmental agencies.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Municipal legal experience preferred.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed to practice law in Michigan
• Admission to practice before U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (to be obtained within one year)
• Admission to practice before U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (to be obtained within one year)
• Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License

PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION:

Oral 100%

DURATION OF LIST:

This list will be in effect for a period of six months.

POST OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory completion of criminal history, background check and a drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act but not those legalized under Michigan law.