Chief Deputy General Counsel

Description

This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates. Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

SUMMARY: The Chief Deputy General Counsel assists the General Counsel by providing enterprise leadership on complex legal strategy and advice on matters impacting the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD); oversees, directs, conducts the prosecution and defense of affirmative and defensive litigation actions; prepares, reviews, and interprets legal documents; develops and implements policies and procedures; organizes tasks and sets priorities that involve a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion;

acts a trusted legal advisor to the Human Resources Director. In the absence of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel may manage the legal division to ensure that all DWSD Business Units are legally supported in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Upon request of the General Counsel, provide legal support to the DWSD and its Board of Water Commissioners.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Office of the General Counsel’s goals, objectives, policies and priorities and ensure that they are achieved.
• Prepare, coordinate, represent and support DWSD’s representation in legislative and public processes and proceedings.
• Prepare, direct, prosecute, coordinate, represent, litigate or assist in the litigation of DWSD interests in administrative proceedings and cases, ranging in difficulty and impacting Michigan or federal jurisprudence.
• Conduct or assist in the conducting of investigations for the Human Resources department.
• Research, draft, prepare, review and advise on legal documents including but not limited to forms, contracts, memoranda, opinions, client advisories, and correspondence.
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and conduct legal strategy and negotiations in support of DWSD business objectives.
• Provide advice, counsel and support for business initiatives.
• Exercise management authority as delegated by the General Counsel, during the absence of the General Counsel, or as necessary to further the legal interests of the organization.
• Supervise staff, including other Deputy General Counsels.
• Assist with the management and coordination of the development of the budget for the Office of General Counsel including monitoring and approving expenditures.
• Maintain current active membership in the State Bar of Michigan with knowledge of law and practice in relevant areas.
• Follow safety policies and procedures in carrying out duties.
• A valid Michigan Driver’s License is required.

RELATED

JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare, conduct, support, and participate in internal and external meetings.
• Handle or assist in the handling of administrative duties for the division including but not limited to file maintenance, data entry, personnel management, business processes and procedures, equipment purchases, office maintenance and other matters as assigned.
• Design, implement, and support the design and implementation of organizational initiatives and special projects.
• Manage and assist in managing vendor relationships.
• Prepare, conduct, support or assist with the supporting of organizational training and training materials.
• Provide periodic reviews of processes and procedures and take action to ensure appropriate functionality.
• Perform related work duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• West Law and/or Lexis Nexis legal research systems
• Major principles, practices, methods, and techniques of Michigan and Federal law and legal practice, including the Michigan and Federal Court Rules, the Michigan and Federal Rules of Evidence and…