Description:

About This Oppritunity
Join our team and be a catalyst for positive change! We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about community enrichment and development to contribute to our mission of returning the city's blighted and vacant properties to productive use to enhance the quality of life in our vibrant and diverse community.

The Staff Attorney – Transactions Counsel is responsible for all aspects of real estate sales transactions involving the sale of property owned by the A City Government Office to for profit developers and community nonprofit organizations. Transactions range from the sale of a single parcel for a small project up to the development of large projects involving many parcels. This person will be responsible for all aspects of transactions including negotiating terms, drafting documents, and managing closings, all done in a collaborative setting with representatives of the Land Bank, the City of Detroit, and other agencies. This position will also assist the Chief of Governmental Affairs & Special Counsel with other Land Bank matters. Grade and classification will depend on experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Represent the Land Bank in real estate sales and land assembly transactions
Manage real estate transactions from start to finish, negotiate terms, draft documents, and conduct closings
Review transactions for compliance with disposition and procurement policies
Work closely with colleagues in the legal department, Land Bank's disposition team, and City of Detroit real estate teams in connection with transactions
Provide advice and counsel on matters of law & policy, including corporate governance, enabling legislation, state law, land use regulations, environmental law, and tax incentives and abatements
Draft authorizing documents, including DLBA Board and Detroit City Council resolutions
Provide advice and counsel to legal department teams and the other Land Bank departments to help achieve strategic goals
Perform additional duties as directed by the Chief of Governmental Affairs & Special Counsel

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school
Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan
Minimum of two years related legal experience (e.g. corporation, transactional, real estate)
Knowledge of municipal real estate law including ordinances regarding zoning, planning, taxation, and land use
Knowledge of law and practice regarding real estate title matters, including quiet title actions
Excellent negotiation and communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and good judgment to identify potential solutions
Understanding of and ability to apply attorney ethics rules
Discretion in keeping sensitive material confidential
Ability to work well in a fast paced and demanding environment
Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team
Ability to conduct research that is relevant, accurate, and thorough
Experience using and proficiency with MS Office
Mission-driven individual with high personal integrity and a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit
Detroit residency, preferred