Assistant City Attorney

An Assistant City Attorney performs two primary functions under the general supervision of the City Attorney. First, the Assistant City Attorney acts as legal counsel to members of the City Commission and department heads, and various boards and commission, prepares written opinions and perform other highly responsible related legal tasks. Second, the Assistant City Attorney prepares and tries cases in district court, appellate and other courts. The Assistant City Attorney is expected to exercise independent judgment in the pursuit of his/her duties. Work is reviewed through observation of results achieved.An Assistant City Attorney shall be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform).

• Responsible for providing quality legal services to departments, boards, committees, and
• commissions and performing other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.
• Prepares, reviews, tracks, and analyzes contracts, agreements, ordinances, legal memoranda, correspondence, resolutions, policies, and other legal documents.
• Prepare legal opinions on matters referred by the City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney, and department heads.
• Conducts legal research on municipal issues including the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, governmental immunity, property taxation, planning and zoning, real estate, federal and state constitutional issues and municipal finance; documents results and findings; presents legal advice and information and presents recommendations.
• Represents the City in negotiating legal issues; assures that legal issues are resolved within City policy guidelines and applicable law; assures effective communication of issues with the City Attorney, City Manager, City Commission, and department heads.
• Prosecute City ordinance violations, including jury trials, bench trials, and formal hearings in 44th District Court, as well as any related appeals.
• Represent the Office of City Attorney and perform other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.

An Assistant City Attorney, upon application, shall have the following training and experience:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and must be an active member in good standing with the state bar of Michigan or eligible to become a member of the state bar of Michigan upon hiring.
• Possess five or more years of progressively responsible experience as an Attorney, and three or more years of municipal law experience is preferred.
• Some present or past prosecutorial or criminal defense experience is preferred.

Licenses Required:

• Admission to the Bar in the State of Michigan.
• A valid motor vehicle operator's permit.

Qualifications for Employment:

• Thorough knowledge of state and federal statutes as applicable to civil and/or municipal law.
• Comprehensive training in and knowledge of the theory and practice of local government, particularly in Home Rule Cities, and an interest in and knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of public officials and of citizens.
• A high order of ability to analyze and appraise facts, evidence and precedents and to apply legal principles to complex legal issues.
• Ability to present accurately statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in writing and orally under formal judicial procedure or before a public body.
• Ability to form and maintain good working relations with department heads, public officials, coworkers and the public.

Required Application Materials to submit with this application (provide as attachments):

• Resume