PART-TIME CITY ATTORNEY

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Description:

Position Summary

The City is accepting applications for the position of Part-Time City Attorney. The City Attorney serves as the primary legal advisor to the City Council, Mayor, City administration, boards, commissions, and departments on matters involving municipal operations, governance, contracts, labor and employment relations, ordinances, risk management, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City Attorney provides legal guidance to support the effective operation of City government while ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. The City Attorney shall be directly responsible to the City Council and shall serve as the legal representative of the City in matters authorized by the Council.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as legal counsel to the City Council, Mayor, City departments, boards, commissions, and officials.
• Attend City Council meetings and provide legal advice during meetings as requested.
• Prepare, review, and approve ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal documents.
• Provide written and verbal legal opinions regarding municipal operations and legal matters affecting the City.
• Advise City officials regarding compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, labor and employment laws, ethics requirements, and municipal governance matters.
• Assist with labor relations matters, collective bargaining agreements, personnel issues, and employment-related concerns.
• Review and advise on real estate transactions, procurement matters, economic development projects, and other municipal initiatives.
• Represent the City in legal proceedings as authorized by the City Council or coordinate and oversee outside legal counsel when specialized representation is required.
• Provide guidance regarding risk management, liability prevention, and litigation avoidance.
• Perform other legal duties as assigned by the City Council.

No board, commission, department, or officer shall retain special legal counsel regarding City affairs without approval of the City Council.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Michigan municipal law and local government operations.
• Experience advising elected officials, boards, commissions, and municipal departments.
• Knowledge of labor and employment law, contract law, FOIA, Open Meetings Act compliance, and municipal governance.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Prior experience serving as a municipal attorney, assistant city attorney, township attorney, village attorney, or similar public-sector legal position.

 

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of legal practice experience, preferably including municipal law or public-sector representation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan municipal law and governmental operations.
• Ability to attend evening City Council meetings and occasional special meetings.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License.

Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Michigan municipal law and local government operations.
• Experience advising elected officials, boards, commissions, and municipal departments.
• Knowledge of labor and employment law, contract law, FOIA, Open Meetings Act compliance, and municipal governance.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Prior experience serving as a municipal attorney, assistant city attorney, township attorney, village attorney, or similar public-sector legal position.