Staff Attorney

JOB DESCRIPTION

Staff Attorney

FLSA Status: Exempt

Status: Full time

Pay Grade: M-12

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Works independently under the Law Director

Supervision Given: No supervision given

DESCRIPTION

The Staff Attorney provides legal support to the Law Director and the Law Department, handling a variety of legal matters including municipal contracts, employment law, and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) compliance. This position conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, and assists the Law Director with preparation for hearings, trials, and negotiations. The Staff Attorney ensures that the City's legal interests are effectively represented and protected in both advisory and litigation matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents including motions, briefs, contracts, memoranda, and opinions.
• Provide legal support to the Law Director, assisting with preparation for hearings, trials, negotiations, and other legal proceedings.
• Prepare, review, and advise on various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Represent the City in litigation, administrative proceedings, negotiations, and other matters requiring legal counsel.
• Advise City departments on issues related to ARPA funding, employment law, contracts, and other municipal legal matters.
• Attend City Council meetings or other official meetings as needed to provide legal guidance or support.
• Collaborate with internal departments, elected officials, and external counsel to achieve favorable legal outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and organized legal files and documentation.
• Stay informed of relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting municipal operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
• Experience in municipal law, contract law, employment law, or public finance (including ARPA) preferred.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to provide clear and practical legal advice to non-legal staff and officials.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Municipal, contract, and employment law, including regulations affecting public entities.
• Federal, state, and local laws relevant to ARPA funding and other public finance matters.
• Legal research techniques, procedures, and drafting practices for motions, briefs, contracts, and memoranda.
• Principles of litigation, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
• Administrative and procedural rules governing City operations and City Council proceedings.
• Conducting legal research and analyzing complex legal issues.
• Drafting clear, concise, and legally defensible documents, including contracts, agreements, motions, and memoranda.
• Providing legal advice and practical solutions to City departments, officials, and staff.
• Negotiating settlements or agreements and representing the City in legal proceedings.
• Organizing and managing multiple cases, projects, and priorities effectively.
• Apply legal knowledge to resolve municipal, employment, and contract issues.
• Interpret and implement federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Communicate legal concepts clearly in both written and oral formats to non-legal audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment in sensitive matters.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, elected officials, and external counsel.