Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel (Special Services - Arpa/Blight)

Salary: $99,000.00 - $165,000.00 Annually
Location : MI, MI
Job Type: Special Service-Temp Seasonal (usually fulltime)
Job Number: 202402929108ARPADM
Department: ARPA STAFFING
Opening Date: 02/05/2024
Bargaining Unit: 9000
Description
LAW DEPARTMENT
Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel/TASS III Attorney (Special Services - ARPA/Blight)
How would you like to work for a Law Firm that is the most diverse in the Nation?

• Has some of the best lawyers in the state always available for consults
• Relaxed and Collegial
• Located in the exciting Downtown Detroit

36-month temporary position requires experienced attorney under supervision to (1) negotiate and draft compliance agreements with property owner to cure code violations; (2) monitor adherence to compliance agreement terms and handle defaults; (3) represent the City and appear on the record at the Department of Appeals and Hearings attorney docket defending blight violations issued by city agencies; (4) handle complex nuisance abatement projects including litigation with other senior attorneys; (5) Advise city agencies on code enforcement laws, strategies and policies, and participate in meetings and workgroups. Attorney will be a part of the Blight Removal Task Force that will be support Neighborhood Investment and Public Safety. This is a senior level attorney position for an experienced individual familiar with City Code and enforcement processes, and who may oversee junior level attorney activities.
Examples of Duties
We are looking for people who are excited to thrive in an environment of impactful change.
What You'll Be Doing:

• Represents the City of Detroit on blight enforcement matters in administrative hearings and court.
• Performs legal research in preparation for hearings and in the resolution and clarification of legal issues and problems.
• Prepares and carries through simple to moderately complex appeals to higher courts and tribunals.
• Negotiates and drafts documents including contracts, correspondence, compliance agreements, performance plans, payment plans, releases, orders, directives, policies, and tax or property liens.
• Facilitates relations between property owners represented by counsel and City agencies.
• Advises city agencies on correct legal enforcement procedures based on the 2019 Detroit City Code and state and federal law.
• Participate in blight remediation projects and develop strategy and policy as requested.
• Maintain data pertaining to legal actions and prepare reports as requested.
• Review of Document production requests, consultation with document producing departments of the City and defense of litigation regarding any requests for Production.

Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association approved institution.
• 7-10 years of experience with circuit court litigation.
• Member of the Michigan State Bar.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in electronic legal research, title searching, corporate research
• Experience in real property, code enforcement, and municipal law preferred
• Familiarity with the requirements of the 2019 Detroit City Code pertaining to property maintenance, zoning, and dangerous buildings preferred.
• Knowledge of court procedures and legal principles and their application.
• Skill in legal writing and drafting.
• Ability to analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically.
• Ability to display judicial temperament and poise.

Supplemental Information
What We'll Offer in Return:

• Generous paid time off
• Free/reduced parking
• World-class training that promotes life-long learning and development
• Vast array of career opportunities
• Ability to drive social impact at the community level
• Ability to contribute to the success of the City of Detroit

Please submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
Medical Plan Offering for Administrative Special Services Employees
The City of Detroit is pleased to continue to provide a medical plan option to our Administrative Special Services Employees for the 2020 plan year. This plan is provided by Blue Care Network of Michigan and utilizes their PCP Focus Network. This plan provides you with the opportunity to receive an enhanced level of benefits and pay less out of your paycheck for your medical plan. There are two important requirements that you should consider and understand if you should decide to enroll in this plan. You will have to choose a primary care physician that serves within the PCP Focus network. This primary care physician coordinates your care. The network includes over 22,000 Primary Care Physicians. There are also Wellness Requirements that you (the subscriber) must meet in order to remain in the enhanced level of benefit.
Administrative Special Services Staff (Exempt) are eligible for the following benefits:

• CURRENT SICK LEAVE - Granted (3) months of continuous service. (1) day per month, not to exceed (12) days per year.
• VACATION - Granted (1) day per pay period, not to exceed 20 days per fiscal year
• PAID HOLIDAYS - Granted if paid for 600 straight time hours in the (12) months prior to the holiday
• MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - Granted on same basis as regular employees.
• WORKERS COMPENSATION - Covered by applicable laws.
• UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION - Covered by applicable laws.
• HOSPITALIZATION - You are eligible to purchase healthcare benefits for yourself and your dependents under a group rate. You will be responsible for the full premium, no employer contribution will be applied.Please review the Health Care Plan Options Booklet for more detailed information.
• This position is not eligible for the City Pension Plan, dental, vision, optical, death, life, disability, funeral, reserve sick or jury duty.

Administrative Special Services Staff (Non-Exempt) are eligible for the following benefits:

• CURRENT SICK LEAVE - Granted (3) months of continuous service. (1) Day per month, not to exceed (12) days per year.
• VACATION - Granted on the following basis:

Terms of Service Vacation leave Earned
Less than 6 months None
After 6 months & (1000 work hours)5 days
After 1 year An additional 5 days
2-5 years 10 days
6-7 years 11 days
8-9 years 12 days
10-12 years 13 days
15- years15- years

• PAID HOLIDAYS - Granted if paid for 600 straight time hours in the (12) months prior to the holiday
• OVERTIME - Granted on same basis as regular employees.
• MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - Granted on same basis as regular employees.
• WORKERS COMPENSATION - Covered by applicable laws.
• UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION - Covered by applicable laws.
• HOSPITALIZATION - You are eligible to purchase healthcare benefits for yourself and your dependents under a group rate. You will be responsible for the full premium; no employer contribution will be applied.Please review the Health Care Plan Options Booklet for more detailed information.
• This position is not eligible for the City Pension Plan, dental, vision, optical, death, life, disability, funeral, reserve sick or jury duty.