Staff Attorney at Detroit Land Bank Authority – Detroit, Michigan

This is the experienced level. The candidate performs a full range of professional assignments in a full functioning capacity. Considerable independent judgement is used to make decisions in carrying out assignments. Guidelines may be available but require adaptation or interpretation to determine appropriate courses of action.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NOTE: The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned to every duty.

• Manage full case load of properties and be responsible for timely movement and resolution
• Manage processing of properties located throughout the City of Detroit, determining if properties require intervention due to blight, vacancy, or other standards; this does involve physical inspection of properties in neighborhood surveys
• Draft pleadings, review records, attend hearings, and manage files in various stages of the Nuisance Abatement process
• Draft pleadings, review records, attend hearings, and manage files in various stages of Quiet Title actions
• Responds to questions, requests for information, and, when appropriate, comments regarding the law from other DLBA staff, City of Detroit departments, and the general public
• Conduct litigation hearings
• Provide direct supervision to paralegal, second chair, or support staff, as applicable
• Confer with legal team and DLBA staff on various matters including, but not limited to, Freedom of Information Act requests, contract activity, evictions, and disposition and demolition of property
• Perform legal and general research
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Principal Attorney, Deputy General Counsel or General Counsel

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
• Manage litigation, devise litigation strategy with limited supervision

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
NOTE: Some knowledge in the area listed is required at the entry level, developing knowledge is required at the experienced level, and thorough knowledge is required at the advanced level.
• Must be a mission-driven individual with high personal integrity and a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in public speaking and writing
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to multi-task
• Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills, and good judgment to identify potential solutions
• Understanding of and ability to apply attorney ethics rules
• Familiarity with and ability to prepare basic litigation documents
• Ability to work well in a fast paced and demanding environment
• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team
• Ability to conduct research that is relevant, accurate, and thorough
• Experience using and proficiency with MS Office
• Self-Driven and Ambitious Attorney
• Detroit residency, preferred

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Basic knowledge of the litigation process, court rules, and civil procedure.

EDUCATION
• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school