Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel (LAW Department - Litigation Division)

Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel (LAW Department - Litigation Division)

Salary

$110,624.00 - $154,894.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

2025409115261826LAWJS

Department

Law

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

1800

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

LAW DEPARTMENT

SENIOR ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

LITIGATION SECTION

We represent Detroit in all civil actions.

Public service is calling you!

Defend the treasury of one of America's greatest cities!

How would you like to conduct high stakes civil rights jury trials in federal court?

• Defend the City of Detroit in high exposure wrongful death motor vehicle lawsuits?
• Expose financial fraud in no fault cases?
• Prosecute lawsuits against derelict commercial property owners?
• Litigate complex commercial matters and significant legislation and public policy matters?
• Work and learn in a law firm that is the most diverse in the nation?
• Enjoy a relaxed and collegial work environment as well as a flexible hybrid work schedule.

Examples of Duties

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Defending the City of Detroit and its employees in the following legal specialties:

• Civil rights police misconduct
• Motor vehicle negligence
• Motor vehicle no fault
• Breach of contract
• Municipal litigation

Under supervision, handling a caseload and working as lead attorney in:

• Jury and bench trials
• Arbitrations, facilitation, and mediations
• Depositions
• Motions hearing
• Investigation and discovery

Minimum Qualifications

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association-approved institution
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the above specified Litigation specialties
• Tort litigation and governmental immunity experience preferred
• Excellent legal writing and verbal communications skills
• Outstanding references from former employers

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• License to practice in the State 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

Please attach a cover letter, resume with references, and a writing sample.

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

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE:

ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The techniques of legal research, particularly applied corporation law
• Legal subjects and State and Federal statutes applicable to municipal corporation law
• Court procedures and legal principles and their application
• Adjudication principles and practices

ADVANCED SKILL IN:

• Excellent analytical, legal writing, and oral advocacy skills, self-discipline
• Effectively organize and manage independent caseloads presenting multiple simultaneous priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills: and commitment to participate in a team-oriented practice environment
• Legal writing and drafting
• Developing legal arguments and applying legal principles to legal problems
• Effective problem-solving techniques
• Legal writing and drafting
• Oral and written communication

ADVANCED ABILITY TO:

• Analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence
• Present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically
• Interact affectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy
• Display judicial temperament and poise

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Exciting work involves office and fields activities and may entail out-of-town travel
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work schedule

Compensation is Competitive - Depends on Qualifications

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

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• J.D.
• PhD
• No Education experience

02

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

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of law experience do you possess?

• Less than 5 years of experience
• 5 - 10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience
• No Experience

04

Explain in detail your law experience.

05

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