Deputy General Counsel

Description

The Deputy General Counsel assists the General Counsel in providing more complex legal strategy and advice on matters impacting the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD); this position will primarily oversee the prosecution and defense of legal actions and provide expert advice on employment issues to the Human Resources Director as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Oversee the prosecution and defense of all litigation related to DWSD, with a specialty in employment and labor matters. Additionally, act as a legal policymaker for the organization. Provide legal support to the DWSD and its Board of Water Commissioners. Assist in the development and implementation of the Office of the General Counsel’s goals objectives, policies and priorities and ensure that they are achieved. Prepare, coordinate, represent and support DWSD’s representation in legislative and public processes and proceedings.

Prepare, prosecute, coordinate, represent, litigate or assist in the litigation of DWSD interests in administrative proceedings and cases, ranging in difficulty and impacting Michigan or federal jurisprudence. Conduct or assist in the conducting of investigations. Research, draft, prepare, review and advise on legal documents including but not limited to forms, contracts, memoranda, opinions, client advisories, and correspondence. Develop, coordinate, implement, and conduct legal strategy and negotiations in support of DWSD business objectives.

Provide advice, counsel and support for business initiatives. Exercise management authority as delegated by the General Counsel, during the absence of the General Counsel, or as necessary to further the legal interests of the organization. Assist with the management and coordination of the development of the budget for the Office of General Counsel including monitoring and approving expenditures. Maintain current active membership in the State Bar of Michigan with knowledge of law and practice in relevant areas. Follow safety policies and procedures in carrying out duties. A valid Michigan Driver’s License is required.

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:

Act as principal advisor to Human Resources Director. Prepare, conduct, support, and participate in internal and external meetings and employee investigations. Handle or assist in the handling of administrative duties for the division including but not limited to file maintenance, data entry, personnel management, business processes and procedures, equipment purchases, office maintenance and other matters as assigned.

Design, implement, and support the design and implementation of organizational initiatives and special projects. Manage and assist in managing vendor relationships. Prepare, conduct, support or assist with the supporting of organizational training and training materials. Provide periodic reviews of processes and procedures and take action to ensure appropriate functionality. Perform related work duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• WestLaw and/or Lexis Nexis legal research systems
• Major principles, practices, methods, and techniques of Michigan law and legal practice, including the Michigan Court Rules, the Michigan Rules of Evidence and the Michigan Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Proper handling and dissemination of confidential information
• Microsoft Office
• Methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation
• Report preparation and record keeping

SKILL TO:

• Effectively and efficiently handle and manage complex cases from start to finish
• Conduct thorough independent and original research using sound analysis to provide appropriate recommendations to resolve specific issues
• Conduct comprehensive and unbiased investigations
• Formulate reasonable and effective conclusions
• Protect and represent the organization’s values and confidences
• Act as a proactive trusted advisor and leader
• Utilize legal software programs
• Use advanced technology
• Contribute to leadership planning

ABILITY TO:

• Identify and research relevant legal and business issues
• Write effectively, persuasively and with appropriate legal style and citation
• Apply legal principles to address operational issues and concerns
• Work independently with minimal guidance and supervision
• Research and respond to inquiries regarding law, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Make judgments and decisions that are guided by applicable law, policies, procedures, and high personal standards of ethics and integrity
• Act independently and know when to refer situations to the General Counsel, other DWSD Divisions, or external agencies
• Interpret, explain, and apply pertinent City, state, and federal laws and regulations, ordinances, policies and procedures
• Draft, understand and apply contract terms and provisions
• Understand, interpret, and apply rules, standards, or procedures and persuade others to accept or adopt recommendations
• Conduct thorough investigations, determine methodologies, and obtain basic data necessary to evaluate solutions to complex problems and issues with multiple variables
• Promote and maintain the highest personal and professional integrity and comply with applicable professional ethics, rules and regulations
• Understand, apply, and/or adapt complex/conflicting oral or written regulations or guidelines to diverse and dissimilar situations
• Effectively utilize appropriate safety equipment and procedures
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about process, equipment or potential problems
• Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
• Direct team activities or to work as a team member

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)

• Juris Doctor’s degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association preferred
• Significant state and federal court trial and courtroom experience, including drafting and arguing appeals
• Currently actively licensed to practice law within the State of Michigan with more than eight years of experience

Minimum Qualifications

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position requires sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity are also required.

Environmental Working Requirements:

Work is performed in an office, plant or field environment with exposure to computer screens, working in team offices and closely with all staffing levels.

• Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License
• Ability to work irregular hours, to commute to DWSD facilities and work sites, and respond to after hour emergencies and on-call responses

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. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.

**NO BENEFITS ARE OFFERED WITH THIS POSITION**