Associate Attorney (Office of the Inspector General)

Description

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
APPOINTED POSITION

Under general supervision of the OIG Attorney, the associate attorney, in daily operations furthers the Office of Inspector General’s capacity to detect incidents of possible waste, abuse, fraud, or corruption.

Examples of Duties

• Assist Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and OIG Attorney in their respective duties and all other matter as requested and necessary.
• Provide advice on legal issues related to investigations and administrative hearings including issues concerning local, state, and federal laws, statutes and contracts.
• Perform legal research and drafts legal memoranda on issues concerning local, state or federal law as it relates to investigations, audits, and program reviews, as requested by the IG and the DIG.
• Prepare affidavits and other documents for criminal, civil or administrative actions.
• Conduct investigations and program reviews as assigned by the OIG Attorney, DIG and the IG.
• Coordinate with City Council Legislative and Policy Division, the City of Detroit Law Department, any other City departments and agencies, legal representatives of City Contractors, and any local or federal authorities matters concerning the OIG as directed by the IG, DIG and/or OIG Attorney.
• Conduct or assist in high-profile or complex investigations.
• Conduct and/or assist in interviews of complainants, witnesses, and subjects to gather facts and evidence in the course of investigating alleged criminal activity, violations of personnel and administrative rules, and waste and inefficiency within city government and by those doing business or seeking to do business with the city.
• Prepare and/or review detailed reports of investigations setting forth allegations, findings, evidence and recommendations.
• Collect, evaluate and prepare evidence for presentation to prosecuting agency officials and for introduction at administrative proceedings.
• Coordinate with outside law enforcement entities as appropriate.
• Review and proofreads reports summarizing investigative/monitoring findings, and outlining disciplinary, operational and policy recommendations for errors and consistency.
• Provide support for all OIG Administrative Hearings and Debarment proceedings.
• Provide and/or assist in providing representation of the OIG during formal and informal meetings
• Provide and/or assist in any OIG outreach programs or activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association approved institution.
• Minimum of one (1) year of legal experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, provided the law license requirement is met.

• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
• A valid driver’s license must be presented at the time of application.
• Applicants must have an excellent driving record.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

• Provide a short writing sample (no longer than five pages) that demonstrates your analytical skills. This sample must be your original work and completed without the use of AI or other automated writing assistance.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
• Knowledge of legal subjects and State and Federal statutes as are applicable to municipal corporation law.
• Knowledge of court procedures and legal principles and their application.
• Knowledge of adjudication principles and practices.
• Skill in legal research.
• Skill in developing legal arguments and applying legal principles to any legal matters arising out of OIG investigations and/or administrative hearings.
• Skill in effective problem-solving techniques.
• Skill in legal writing and drafting.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically.
• Ability to problem solve and display resourcefulness and initiative in handling legal matters.
• Ability to interact effectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to display professional temperament and poise at all times when representing the OIG.
• Ability to work with public officials on sensitive issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, both internal and external to the city, in order to obtain or provide information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all City public servants and contractors as defined in the Charter.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Physical Demands

• The employee generally remains in a stationary position for an extended period of time operating standard office equipment which may include computers, telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines.
• The employee is expected to move about to accomplish tasks such as opening file cabinets and moving files.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment.
• Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.