General Counsel

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to return the city's blighted and vacant properties to productive use. We utilize a variety of Sales programs to make homeownership and land purchases accessible to Detroiters. Plus, we take our commitment to revitalization one step further with our Compliance and Nuisance Abatement programs, requiring renovation and occupancy to improve neighborhoods, eliminate blight, and combat real estate speculation. The Detroit Land Bank Authority works directly with individual buyers, as well as Community Partner organizations and developers for projects big and small.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Join our team and be a catalyst for positive change! We are seeking a dynamic leader 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 Detroit's vibrant and diverse community.

The General Counsel ("GC") will serve as the Detroit Land Bank Authority's (DLBA) Chief Attorney overseeing the legal team responsible for the Nuisance Abatement and Quite Title programs. The GC is also responsible for overseeing and identifying the legal issues in all departments and their interrelation, as well as business policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Counsel

Provide legal advice and guidance to the Board, C-suite and executive level staff.

Act as a spokesperson and advocate for DLBA’s legal positions as requested by the CEO or the Public Affairs team.

Coordinate legal and policy reform efforts, including legislative drafting, analysis, testimony, and advocacy

Staying abreast of any legal or industry-specific changes and trends that will impact decision-making.

Litigation Management

Serve as one of the organization’s key contacts and negotiators with government agencies

Ensure a timely response to all legal claims and legal inquiries directed to DLBA. Review legal documents, provide strategic guidance and defend the interests of DLBA when necessary

Compliance Management

Develop and maintain the legal and contractual infrastructure required of a Michigan public authority including organizational policy, document retention, filing and registration requirements, labor and immigration law, contracts, leases, and agreements

Meet regularly with all DLBA staff and program leaders to ensure information shared with partners and residents is accurate and timely

Contract Management

Ensure that all contracts align with DLBA’s policies and legal obligations.

Strategize, renegotiate, and conclude contracts with vendors, etc. as they arise; and provide effective support for other managers of the organization in their negotiations

Risk Management

Develop, implement, and maintain systems and processes for the documentation and tracking of legal matters, including, for example, filings and registrations, legal threats, business agreements, etc.

Leading and Managing

Overseeing and providing strategic direction for the DLBA’s legal team

QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school

Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan

At least ten (10) years of related legal experience (i.e. litigation, board governance)

Extensive litigation experience in both Michigan state and federal courts

Management experience, particularly supervising/managing legal work of others

Knowledge of land banking, tax foreclosure, municipal, and real estate law

Experience with legal issues for non-profit organizations and employment law is appreciated

Ability to become a trusted advisor who will be viewed as a strong resource with discretion in keeping sensitive material confidential; a hard worker with a high energy level; a strong manager and administrator with a high sense of personal responsibility and integrity

Ability to think analytically and write clearly

Must have a general orientation towards building appropriate processes and structures

Must be a mission-driven individual with a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit

Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task

Ability to work well in a fast paced and demanding environment

Detroit residency, preferred

BENEFITS & PERKS

Paid Holidays, Sick Days & CTO

Health Benefit: Medical/Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision, dental, EAP and short-term disability

Free Parking

Retirement Savings Plan (457-B)

Certification reimbursement/ License renewal reimbursement

Resume/CV with cover letter requested for consideration.