Trusts and Estates - General Attorney in Detroit, MI

Government

Detroit, MI

Trusts and Estates - General Attorney in Detroit, MI

Attorney

5-10 yrs required

No

Job Title: Senior Associate General Counsel (EMT)

Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Associate General Counsel is tasked with assisting the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in providing expert legal strategy and advice for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). Key responsibilities include prosecuting and defending complex legal actions, leading DWSD debt collection efforts, and addressing issues involving real property transactions such as surplus property, easements, and various other real estate transactions. The role requires training and assisting junior colleagues, preparing, reviewing, and interpreting legal documents, and developing and implementing policies and procedures. The position demands a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion.

Essential job functions include acting as a senior legal policymaker for the organization, providing legal support to DWSD and its Board of Water Commissioners, and representing DWSD in legislative and public processes. The Senior Associate General Counsel handles complicated litigation and dispute matters by preparing, prosecuting, coordinating, and litigating DWSD interests in administrative and court proceedings. They lead DWSD collection actions, supervise outside counsel, conduct investigations, and develop legal strategies and negotiations to support DWSD business objectives.

The role also requires exercising management authority as delegated by the General Counsel, maintaining active membership in the State Bar of Michigan, and following safety policies and procedures. The individual must create and provide training to less senior members of the General Counsel staff and to DWSD organizationally as directed by the General Counsel.

Other duties include participating in internal and external meetings, handling administrative duties, managing vendor relationships, supporting organizational training, and conducting periodic reviews of processes and procedures.

Education and Experience Information:
The position requires a Juris Doctor’s degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association, with a preference for candidates actively licensed to practice law within the State of Michigan. The role demands more than five to ten years of experience, with strong research, writing, and litigation skills. Knowledge of WestLaw and/or Lexis Nexis legal research systems, major principles of Federal and Michigan law, and the proper handling of confidential information is crucial. Preferred experience includes estate transactional experience and an understanding of financial controls and accounting principles.

The candidate must have the skill to manage cases efficiently, conduct thorough research, formulate effective conclusions, and act as a trusted advisor. They should possess the ability to write persuasively, apply legal principles, work independently, and make judgments guided by applicable law and high personal ethics. The role requires the ability to draft and understand contract terms, conduct investigations, and maintain integrity and compliance with professional ethics.

Salary Information:
The position offers a salary range of to hourly, which translates to an annual salary of $100, to $150,.

Additional Requirements:
The role requires a valid Michigan Driver’s License, the ability to work irregular hours, commute to DWSD facilities, and respond to after-hour emergencies. The position involves physical demands such as sitting and standing for prolonged periods, light to moderate lifting, and manual dexterity. Work is performed in various environments, including office, plant, or field settings, with exposure to computer screens and collaboration with all staffing levels.

The job description outlines that employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation. The above statements provide a general nature of the work performed and may vary from position to position.