Senior Attorney

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

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 complex legal matters; and appearing in court for assigned cases. May supervise others.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and statutes;
• Judicial procedures;
• Research methods;
• Negotiation techniques;
• Tax code;
• Prosecution principles.

• Researching complex issues;
• Interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations;
• Prosecuting cases;
• Analyzing and resolving legal problems;
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, the general public, and others to exchange or convey information.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING/LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

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

Paid Time Off - 21 days/year as accrued
Holidays - 15 days/year
Defined Contribution (401a) plan - 20% vesting per year
Long term disability insurance
Life insurance at one times base pay
Health Insurance (80% City / 20% Employee cost sharing, or cash waiver)
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement Medical Savings Account - vesting after 5 years for City contributions
Supplemental life insurance coverage and other benefits options as provided by the cafeteria flexible benefits plan