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Job Information
City of Detroit General Counsel in Detroit, Michigan
General Counsel
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General Counsel
Salary
Negotiable
Location
735 Randolph Detroit MI 48226, MI
Job Type
Classified- Regular (DWSD Only)
Job Number
GB-062024-501006
Department
Water Department
Opening Date
06/21/2024
Closing Date
7/5/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
9031-Non Union Appointees (DWSD)
Description
Benefits
Description
This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.
SUMMARY:
Applications are currently being sought to fill the position of General Counsel for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). DWSD is a municipally owned and operated retail water and sewerage services provider. DWSD is guided by a 7-member Board of Water Commissioners and based upon subject matter and dollar amount, DWSD must receive certain approvals from the Detroit City Council.
The DWSD Director is currently a City of Detroit appointee on the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Board of Directors. GLWA is a publicly owned utility that has entered into long-term lease agreements with the City of Detroit for the operation of the regional water supply and sewage disposal systems. Services are provided to over 125 communities throughout the region, covering eight counties, and representing almost 40% of Michigan’s population.
The General Counsel is an at-will employee appointed by and serving at the pleasure of DWSD’s Director.
The General Counsel serves as DWSD’s Chief Legal Officer and directs, plans, coordinates, and supervises the operations and activities for legal strategy and matters impacting DWSD. The General Counsel position requires a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion, the ability to review and interpret complicated technical and legal contracts, as well as the ability to develop and implement policies and procedures, develop and administer budgets, organize tasks, and set priorities.
The General Counsel leads the Office of G eneral C ounsel and is responsible for the efficient and effective direction, operation, and management of that Office and its legal support for DWSD. The General Counsel also serves as Chief Compliance Officer for the organization.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Serve as the Chief Legal Officer for DWSD, as well as Chief Compliance Officer
Oversee management, development, conduct, and oversight of legal matters impacting the organization
Lead the Office of General Counsel in an efficient and effective direction
Provide legal support to DWSD and its Board of Water Commissioners on all matters, including interpretation and enforcement of all agreements between the GLWA and City, and drafting amendments to the agreements,
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’s interests in administrative proceedings and cases, ranging in difficulty and impacting Michigan or federal jurisprudence
Conduct or assist in the conduct of investigations
Research, draft, prepare, and review 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’s business objectives
Provide advice, counsel, and support for business initiatives and personnel matters, including organizational training
Provide advice, counsel and support related to policies, processes and procedures and take action to ensure appropriate functionality
Participate as an active member of DWSD’s executive leadership team
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
Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and contracts with third parties.
Oversee contractor compliance in coordination with internal business unit/contract owner.
RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:
Prepare, conduct, support, and participate in internal and external meetings. Handle or assist in 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. Handle special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director, Deputy Director, the Board of Water Commissioners, and their designees.
Minimum Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree
Juris Doctor’s degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association preferred
Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in the practice of law
Two (2) years of supervisory or law office management experience
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Ten (10) years of progressive responsibility in at least one of the following practice areas: Municipal Law, Employment Law, Litigation, Contracts, Administrative Law, Utility Law, and/or Municipal Bond work
Three (3) years of legal managerial experience, supervising both in-house counsel and outside counsel
Prior legal experience working with a utility is preferred
Prior legal experience working for a governmental/municipal entity preferred
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Michigan Driver’s License
Ability to work irregular hours, commute to DWSD facilities and work sites, and respond to after-hour emergencies and on-call responses
Ability to travel to other states, as needed, as a representative of DWSD on legal or public policy and legislative matters
Ability to speak and present before legislative bodies
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires in person attendance at DWSD offices and facilities; sitting, walking and standing for prolonged periods of time, operating a vehicle, air travel; verbal acuity and manual dexterity. Work is performed in an office with exposure to computer screens, as well as meeting with commissioners, colleagues, staff, the public and others in in-person settings.
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the position. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Employees in this position may be required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
Dental
Vision
INSURANCE
Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
Sick Leave
Vacation
Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
Agency
City of Detroit
Address
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave ste 316 Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Website
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job
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