Description
Summary:
The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Third Judicial Circuit, providing strategic legal counsel to the Chief Judge, Executive Circuit Court Administrator, and Judges on all administrative and court-related matters. This role oversees the Office of the General Counsel, managing legal operations, staff, and external counsel. The General Counsel ensures legal compliance, mitigates risk, and supports the Court's mission through expert legal guidance, policy development, and representation. The General Counsel reports to the Chief Judge.
Essential Functions:
- Legal Advisory & Risk Management: Provide expert legal advice on diverse issues, policies and regulations including, but not limited to, contracts, employment law, ethics, legislation, and risk management.
- Policy & Compliance: Develop, review, and update Court policies, administrative orders, and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Monitor legislation and provide analysis of statutory changes.
- Legal Representation & Litigation: Represent the Court in litigation, show cause proceedings, and before administrative agencies. Manage external counsel and oversee legal services.
- Legal Research & Analysis: Conduct in-depth legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and provide clear, concise legal opinions and memoranda.
- Staff Management: Lead and manage the Office of the General Counsel, including hiring, training, performance management, and budget oversight.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with state and local agencies, including the State Court Administrative Office and Wayne County.
- Contract Management: Negotiate, draft, and review contracts and agreements.
- Legislative Advocacy: Recommend and draft legislation, court rules, and administrative orders.
- Training: Provides training on legal matters as appropriate and/or requested.
- Continuing Legal Education: Participates in continuing court management training and professional education.
Qualifications, Licenses and Certifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Eligible to practice in other federal courts as necessary.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, with a strong background in court, judicial, or government representation.
- Minimum of 5 years of management experience preferred.
- Proficiency in legal research platforms (Westlaw/Lexis) and MS Office Suite.
- Valid Michigan Driver's license and vehicle access.
- Experience commensurate with the job that demonstrates the required skills and competencies may be considered in lieu of education requirement(s).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Expert knowledge of laws and regulations related to court administration.
- Exceptional legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
Additional Requirements:
- Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check and fingerprinting.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.
Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.
In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and has an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shut down. Additionally, employees of the Court may be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More importantly, if you are service-oriented and have an interest in work that is closely connected to the community, employees of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan are rewarded with the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan's largest, most populous county.
ELIGIBILITY: This examination is open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications.
SELECTION: Applications will be screened for compliance with eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications. Selection will be based on appropriate job-related criteria. Applicants who achieve a passing score on each portion of the screening process may be placed on the eligibility list.
NOTE: Information provided on application forms and subsequent verification thereof may be used to determine applicant’s qualifications for this position. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be considered. Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable. THE COURT MAY LIMIT FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE APPLICANTS WHOM APPEAR TO BE MOST QUALIFIED.
SCREENING EXAMINATION COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS (Total 100% MAX-70% MIN):
Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications Pass/Fail
Interview 100%
APPLICATION PROCEDURE& DEADLINE:
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IN ELECTRONIC FORM THROUGH THE COURT’S WEBSITE: www.3rdcc.org. The direct link to this site: https://secure6.entertimeonline.com/ta/6051784.careers?CareersSearch
A valid email address is required to apply. Applicant will receive a confirmation after successful submission of the electronic application. An official copy of all transcripts/diplomas must be available at time of interview. Resumes may be included with the application form, but may not be substituted for it. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled, under applicable State and Federal law, to reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the examination process. If you will require special accommodations because of a disability, please call (313) 224-7018.
POSTING: This notice must be posted on all bulletin boards until the filing date has expired.
** AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER **
The Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement:
“We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice.
The Diversity and Inclusion Vision:
Diversity is inclusive. It encompasses, among other things, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, nationality, language, age, disability, marital status, parental status, military status, geographic origin and socioeconomic background.
Diversity creates greater trust and confidence in the court system and its administration of justice. It enables us to better provide exemplary public service and programs. The different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and interests of judges and employees in our four divisions allow us to be a national leader in Court performance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap/disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight or any other legally protected status. The prohibition against employment discrimination may extend to conduct that employees are subjected to from vendors, contractors, customers, or others who enter the workplace. Unlawful discrimination may include, but is not limited to, employment actions related to recruitment, examination, transfer, appointment, training, promotion, or the administration of employee benefits. The Court is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to employment.