Closing Date: 22nd April, 2024

Description:

Nature of Work:
The purpose of this job is to provide full range of legal services on issues and projects of importance to the City. Depending on assigned area(s), this job may involve litigation, municipal affairs and/or ordinance enforcement. Position will have increased autonomy, depth of knowledge, and gaining of special areas of expertise from that of Assistant City Attorney I. Position will also provide support and guidance of Assistant City Attorney I in every day duties and responsibilities. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. The Department of Law is divided into three Divisions representing three primary areas of service to the City: Municipal Affairs, Civil Litigation, and Ordinance Enforcement. Although attorneys may be assigned work in more than one service area, not all attorneys will perform all of these duties.

This position will be located in Civil Litigation:
  • Acts as trial and appellate counsel handling litigation duties for matters of routine to moderate complexity on behalf of the City, the Mayor, the City Manager, the City Commission, all departments, employees, and boards and commissions within the City of Grand Rapids in state and federal court, and before state and local administrative and judicial bodies
  • Investigates and processes personal injury and property claims through the City's internal administrative process
  • Answers complex tax petitions and manages litigation through pleadings, hearings and motions and processes tax exemption requests and disputes involving payments in lieu of taxes
  • Manages and assists outside counsel in prosecuting and defending lawsuits on behalf of the City, the Mayor, the City Manager, the City Commission, all departments, employees, and boards and commissions within the City of Grand Rapids in state and federal court

Minimum Training and Experience:
  • Juris Doctorate
  • And
  • At least three (3) to six (6) years of experience as a licensed attorney
  • Or
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required:
Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, or eligible for admission without examination