Assistant Corporation Counsel (Transaction & Economic Development - Law Dept)

Assistant Corporation Counsel (Transaction & Economic Development - Law Dept)

Salary

$54,986.00 - $110,200.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

202610911427126LAWjs

Department

Law

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

1800

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

LAW DEPARTMENT - TRANSACTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

We represent Detroit in all civil actions

Established by the Detroit City Charter, the Law Department is an independent agency that represents the interests of the City of Detroit as a corporate body. The Department is headed by the Corporation Counsel, whose mission is to provide a variety of legal services to the City, its elected officials, departments, agencies, offices, commissions, and boards, as well as its individual employees, in their official capacity.

The Department has dozens of attorneys, specializing in various areas, who provide legal advice, opinions, and counsel clients; defend all legal actions against the City; prosecute violations of State Law and/or City Ordinances on behalf of the people of the City of Detroit; and assist in drafting City ordinances and other legal instruments, including all transactional and contractual documents which would legally bind the city.

Department attorneys, under general supervision, perform difficult and specialized professional legal work in preparation for litigation of complex and/or major lawsuits for assigned departments whose functions and activities are such as to present specialized legal problems; and/or performs difficult and specialized transactional work necessary for the advising and counsel of clients.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may perform other duties as assigned)

• Draft, review and negotiate contracts for goods and services, grants, pre-bid documents and other agreements for the provision of goods and serves for the City's Executive and Legislative branches.
• Preparation and negotiation of agreements and other documentation for the acquisition, conveyance, and development of real property.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding management and maintenance of the City's real estate portfolio.
• Advice on zoning, land use, environmental, regulatory, and administrative law matters
• Preparation of legal opinions and other legal analyses.
• Serve as counsel to various City boards and commissions.
• Perform special projects at the direction of superiors.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

• Juris Doctorate degree from an approved American Bar Institution
• Minimum of (2) two years of relevant experience preferred

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• License to practice law in the State of Michigan.
• Membership in the State Bar of Michigan

Equivalency:

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

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 12/18/2024

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
• Knowledge of legal subjects and of State of Federal statutes as are applicable to municipal corporation law.
• Knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances.
• Skill in legal research.
• Skill in developing legal arguments and application of legal principles to difficult legal problems.
• Skill in legal writing and drafting.
• Skill in effective problem-solving techniques.
• Skill in organization and planning and managing multiple priorities.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
• Ability to display independent judgment, maturity and be proactive in handling legal matters.
• Ability to display judicial temperament and poise.

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.

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.

01

Do you have a Juris Doctorate Degree from an institution approved by the American Bar Association?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a license, in good standing, to practice law in the State of Michigan?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of work experience do you possess in practicing law?

• Less than 2 years of experience
• 2 to 5 years of experience
• 6 or more years of experience
• No Experience

04

Did you attach a copy of your Cover Letter, Resume with References, and Writing Sample?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer 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