The Associate General Counsel will play an integral role in assisting the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) achieve its mission and goals, primarily by protecting its legal interests. The Associate General Counsel reports directly to the General Counsel. The Associate General Counsel as assigned supports the client departments to develop policy on behalf of DHC. The Associate General Counsel as assigned may oversee and work in tandem with outside counsel, including insurance counsel representing the DHC in matters litigated in state and federal courts, including matters involving contract review, is responsible for all landlord-tenant litigation and matters, Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA) requests, and administrative hearings, and will provide advice to client departments. The Associate General Counsel will take on other duties as assigned.
Educational Requirements:
? Juris Doctor Degree, and admission to the Michigan Bar and good standing.
Experience Requirements:
? A minimum of 1 year of experience drafting, reviewing, processing FOIAs and/or otherwise involved with policy making and/or legislative activities landlord-tenant court experience or criminal or civil litigation experience.
Other Requirements:
? Regular attendance at meetings and occasional court appearances.
? Must have or be able to acquire a valid state driver’s license.
? Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider.
? Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy.
Knowledge:
? Knowledge of common law, city, state and federal laws, rules of evidence and judicial procedures.
? Knowledge of the range of laws and regulations which impact on all facets of Commission legal and policy issues.
? Knowledge of legal terminology, the formats of a variety of legal documents, legal processes and procedures, and court/hearing rules, records, procedures and protocol.
? Knowledge of Housing & Urban Development Public Housing regulations and policies pertinent to the department.
? Knowledge of HUD programs, requirements, and policies/procedures.
? Knowledge of DHC and departmental policies, procedures, and goals.
? Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment.
? Knowledge of ADA, FLSA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, TITLE VII, EEO, Workers' Compensation, FCRA.
? Knowledge of Freedom of Information law, Privacy Laws, Open Meetings Act.
? Knowledge of traditional and electronic legal research methods.
? Knowledge of contract law.
Desired Skills
? The ability to work well with diverse populations and stakeholders.
? A willingness to learn new substantive areas to meet DHC’s needs.
? Build consensus and bridge differences to accomplish organizational goals.
? Communicate effectively orally or in writing with relevant stakeholders, internal and external, from a variety of backgrounds.
? Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals.
? Exercise sound judgment in analyzing situations and identifying potential problems within scope of responsibility.
? Implement decisions in accordance with established requirements.
? Operate a computer to perform various work-related tasks.
? Provide high-level, quality customer service both internally and externally.
? Read and understand department-specific documentation, policies and procedures.
? Use sound judgment when implementing decisions.
? Work under pressure of deadlines.
? Allocate relevant resources to accomplish organizational goals.
? Analyze and interpret data and reports, formulate recommendations and make effective decisions.
? Anticipate potential issues to develop preventative actions.
? Demonstrate leadership skills, guiding and motivating employees to accomplish organizational goals.
? Demonstrate research and writing skills exhibiting fluency of ideas and originality.
? Establish priorities and deadlines to ensure efficiency.
? Exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy.
? Interact with public and private agencies and residents to accomplish organizational goals.
? Promote intra-departmental and inter-departmental cooperation.
? Understand and apply HUD organizational rules, instructions, policies and procedures appropriately.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
? None
Reports To:
? General Counsel
Essential Job Functions:
? Representing the Commission in Landlord Tenant Court- and all other Michigan and Federal Courts and tribunals.
? Insurance counsel and Insurance company liaison.
? Handling damage claim process.
? Drafting and reviewing policies and procedures and other documents related to DHC’s operations.
? Providing research, factual information, and counsel on housing-related regulations, DHC policies, federal and state law, municipal ordinances, and case law.
? Advising client departments on DHC’s operations and achieving goals in compliance with applicable policies, rules, and laws.
? Assisting the General Counsel and other members of the Office of the General Counsel or client departments as needed, including preparing required reports and assisting with developing and conducting training related to landlord-tenant, PII, labor contracts, FOIA, and the Open Meetings Act.
? Representing DHC at informal or mitigating hearings within different DHC departments and attending DHC Board meetings as needed.
? Providing guidance and information with respect to HUD regulations, DHC policies, federal law, and State law.
? Prepare opinions and/or memorandum of law for General Counsel and/or clients.
? Maintain client confidences.
? Enhance professional growth and development through participation in seminars and workshops; maintain professional affiliations to keep abreast of developments and trends in relevant areas of law.
