Salary: $110,624.00 - $154,894.00 Annually
Location : Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number:
Department: Law
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: 1800

Description
LAW DEPARTMENT - MUNICIPAL DIVISION

SENIOR ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

• Provides opinions and drafts legislation addressing a wide variety of complex and novel subjects including cutting edge constitutional matters
• Has some of the best lawyers in the state always available for consults
• Relaxed and collegial work environment
• Located in exciting downtown Detroit

We are looking for people who are excited to thrive in an environment of impactful change.

Examples of Duties

• Preparation of ordinances and legal opinions.
• Attendance at various meetings at all levels of City government.
• Serves as a legal specialist for assigned clients which functions present specialized legal problems.
• Conducts legal research, analysis and/or evaluation of issues of substantial complexity and/or which may have significant implications for the City.
• Attendance and provision of legal advice at various meetings, at all levels of City government.
• Serves as counsel for various City boards and commissions.
• Counsel and advise clients via email memorandum, telephonic conference, and person-to-person meeting concerning questions of law and procedure.
• Research, review, and analyze relevant statutes, case law, and Attorney General Opinions to provide legal advice and opinions to clients.
• Serve as a leadsperson for the other attorneys, when required.
• Maintain monthly statistics, and other administrative tasks required in maintaining weekly calendar and billing requirements, and organized files.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an approved American Bar Association Institution.
• Must be a member in good standing with the Michigan State Bar.
• Must be License to practice in the State of Michigan.
• Seven years of experience in the practice of law, with five years of municipal law-related experience.

Equivalency

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

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

Knowledge of:

• The techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
• Legal subjects and State and Federal statutes are applicable to municipal corporation law.
• Municipal Codes and Ordinances.
• Michigan "Sunshine Laws".
• Michigan Home Rule City Act.

Skill In:

• Legal research.
• Legal writing and drafting.
• Analyzing and assessing complex legal issues, facts, and multiple levels of pertinent legislation.
• Effective problem-solving techniques.
• Organization and planning and managing multiple priorities.
• Interpersonal communication.

Ability to:

• Coordinate efforts related to multiple clients and their representatives.
• Display independent judgment, maturity and be proactive in handling legal matters.
• 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.
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.
01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an approved American Bar Association Institution or PhD
• No Education experience

02

Are you currently licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of municipal law related experience do you have?

• Less than 5 years of experience
• 5 - 7 years of experience
• 7 or more years of experience
• No Experience

04

How many years of law experience do you possess?

• Less than 7 years of experience
• 7 - 10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience
• No Experience

05

Describe your work experience providing legal counsel and advice to governmental entities, departments, boards, or commissions, including your work experience relating to legal and procedural matters.
06

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

• Yes
• No

Required Question