Assistant Corporation Counsel Senior

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS &ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Bachelor of Law or a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college oflaw.

• Have at least six (6) years of full-time work experience in the practice of law. Experience in the following practice areas is desirable: real estate transactions; Governmental Tort Liability Act and tort defense; 42 U.S.C. §1983 litigation; criminal defense or prosecution; auto negligence defense; local government taxation, workers’ compensation; employment law; contracts; commercial leases; insurance law; civil trial and appellate experience; and municipal law related to government duties, responsibilities, immunities, and privileges.

• Be a member in good standing of the State Bar ofMichigan.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts legal research on questions presented by County departments or on litigation matters and provide a written opinion.

Conducts research and renders legal advice to various County administrators and elected officials concerning their rights, obligations and/or privileges.

If assigned, handle complex cases initiated by the County or formulate and present the defense for suits brought against the County. Follows legal precedent in representing the County in civil legal matters in the appropriate courts.

If assigned, review, prepare, and/or negotiate contracts and other legal documents to which the County is a party.

Provide advice on questions concerning laws governing Michigan public bodies such as the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, County Board of Commissioners Act, and laws governing individual County department and elected offices.

Petition Circuit Court for an order to have the lien against private property, which is in arrears in property taxes, reduced to a judgement, enabling the property to be sold at the Treasurer’s foreclosure sale.

Represent County departments in matters brought before the Personnel Appeal Board, which may include reviewing circumstances surrounding disciplinary actions; interviewing supervisors and other witnesses; assisting witnesses in preparing their testimony; and formulating and present the department’s case before the Appeal Board.

Represent the County before the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission in extremely complex civil rights and discrimination proceedings, which may include investigating circumstances surrounding the complaint; researching precedent; preparing witnesses for testimony; and presenting the County’s case.

Draft, review, and negotiate transactions involving real estate and facilities useagreements.

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for goods and services, such as contracts for information technology professional services and licenses, and handle legal issues relating to data privacy and data security.

Coordinate efforts and monitor the progress of litigation brought against the County where the County is represented by outside counsel.

Represent petitioners in proceedings seeking court-ordered involuntary hospitalization or community-based treatment mental health treatment for individuals suspected of suffering from mental illness and conduct the necessary legal research and follow the procedures set forth in the Mental Health Code and applicablestatutes.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to completeassignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate andaccurately conveyinformation.

WORKINGCONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical officeenvironment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by thesupervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLEQUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of the principles of civillaw.

Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legalresearch.

Considerable knowledge of civilprocedureand the rules ofevidence.

Considerable ability to analyze legal documents andinstruments.

Considerable ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents related to cases, and to present such material orally and in writing in a clear and logical form.

Experience and knowledge of commercial transactions in a public environment (i.e., government), including drafting and negotiating complex contracts. 

Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgement and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions and work collaboratively in a team setting.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Court officials, County administrators, representatives from outside agencies and employees.

Experience with municipal law and working with governmentalentities.

Familiar with current work processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internetsoftware.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.