Closing Date: 13th September, 2026

Description:

Description:
Law Department - Freedom of Information Act (foia)

Assistant Corporation Counsel

Public Service Is Calling You! Defend the Treasury of One of America's Greatest Cities! how Would You Like to Conduct High-Stakes Civil Rights

Jury Trials in Federal Court?

Has Some of The Best Lawyers in The State Always Available for Consults
Relax and Collegial Work Environment
Located in Exciting Downtown Detroit

We Are Looking for People Who Are Excited to Thrive in An Environment of Impactful Change.

Examples of Duties:
Perform a Variety of Functions to Ensure the City's Compliance with The Freedom of Information Act (foia) and Applicable Laws.

What You'll Be Doing:

Processing Foia Requests in Accordance with Legal Requirements and Within the Departmental Timeframe.
Frequently Review a High Volume of Records that Include Homicide Files, Email Communications, Calendars, Policy or Guidance Memoranda, Power Point Presentations, Formal Correspondence, Video/audio, and Other Types of Documents. the Vast Majority of These Records Are Stored Electronically as Pd Fs Ps Ts or Ti Fs (a Small Percentage Are in Hard Copy but Would Be Scanned Into the Electronic Files)
Reviewing Records and Using Judgment and Analysis to Mark Documents with Applicable Foia Exemptions. Records Vary from Simple Auto Accidents and Contracts to Complete Homicide Case Files.
Coordinate with Divisions Within the Organization to Provide Advice and Guidance on Foia Matters, to Facilitate Responses to Requesters, to Ensure that Searches Conducted by Divisions Are Adequate, to Ensure that The Documents Produced Are Responsive, and To Seek Additional Information or Documents if Necessary.
Research, Review, and Analyze Relevant Statutes, Case Law, and Attorney General Opinions to Provide Legal Advice and Opinions to Clients as Well as Applying Exemptions Properly Under the Foia.
Seek Scope Clarification from Requesters as Needed; Maintain a Complete and Accurate Administrative Record and Provide Status Reports.
Review and Redact Documents that Are the Subject of Foia Litigation and Prepare Indices for Documents Withheld or Redacted.
Type Written Reports, Letters, and Memorandums.
Maintain Monthly Statistics, and Other Administrative Tasks Required in Maintaining Weekly Calendar and Billing Requirements and Organize Files.
Perform Other Related Duties as Assigned.
Diversified Office Experience to Include Work with Computer Systems Including Word, Excel, Smartsheet and Adobe. Freedom of Information Act (foia) Knowledge and Experience Are Preferred but Not Necessary.
Be Self-Sufficient Managing Your Own Workload.
Able to Work at Your Desk/computer the Majority of Your Workday.
Experience with The Foia Preferred but Not Required.

Minimum Qualifications:
What You Should Have:

Juris Doctorate Degree from An Approved American Bar Association
Must Be a Member of The Michigan State Bar – License to Practice in The State of Michigan

Equivalency:
Equivalent Combinations of Education and Experience that Provide the Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Will Be Evaluated on An Individual Basis.

Supplemental Information:
Please Attach a Cover Letter, Resume with References, and A Writing Sample.

Compensation Is Competitive – Depends on Qualifications

Evaluation Plan

Interview: 70%
Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional Points May Be Awarded For:
Veteran Points: 0 – 15 Points
Detroit Residency Credit: 15 Point
Lrd: 08/26/22

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of The Techniques of Legal Research, Particularly as Applied to Municipal Corporation Law.
Knowledge of The Legal Subjects and State and Federal Statutes as Are Applicable to Municipal Corporation Law.
Knowledge of Court Procedures and Legal Principles and Their Application.
Knowledge of Adjudication Principles and Practices.
Skill in Legal Research.
Skill in Developing Legal Arguments and Applying Legal Principles to Legal Problems.
Skill in Effective Problem Solving Techniques.
Skill in Legal Writing and Drafting.
Skill in Oral and Written Communication.
Ability to Analyze and Appraise Facts, Evidence, and Precedence.
Ability to Present Statements of Fact, Law and Arguments Clearly and Logically.
Ability to Problem Solve and Display Resourcefulness and Initiative in Handling Legal Matters.
Ability to Interact Effectively with Outside Agencies and Departmental Personnel with Tact and Diplomacy.
Ability to Display Judicial Temperament and Poise.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Work Involves Office and Field Activities and May Entail out Of Town Travel.
Candidates Considered for Placement in This Classification May Be Subject to A Criminal Background Investigation Based on The Requirements of The Position.

The Above Statements Describe the General Nature and Level of Work Performed by Employees Assigned to The Class. Incumbents May Be Required to Perform Job-Related Responsibilities and Tasks Other than Those Stated in This Specification. Specific Job Duties May Vary from Position to Position. the City of Detroit Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No Applicant for Employment Shall Be Discriminated Against on The Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Religion, Age, Disability, or Other Criteria Prohibited by City, State, or Federal Law.