Senior Associate General Counsel

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior Associate General Counsel assists the Chief General Counsel and Chief Deputy General Counsel in providing expert legal strategy and advice for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). This non-entry-level position involves prosecuting and defending complex legal actions, training junior colleagues, preparing and reviewing legal documents, and developing policies. The role requires strong research, writing, and litigation skills, along with a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Act as a senior legal policymaker and provide legal support to DWSD and its Board of Water Commissioners. - Handle sophisticated litigation and dispute matters in administrative and court proceedings impacting the City, State, or federal jurisprudence. - Supervise outside counsel as directed by the General Counsel. - Research, draft, prepare, review, and advise on legal documents, including contracts, memoranda, opinions, and client advisories. - Develop, coordinate, and implement legal strategy and negotiations to support DWSD business objectives. - Create and provide training to less senior General Counsel staff and the broader DWSD organization. - Manage vendor relationships, including outside counsel, and assist with division administrative duties and special projects. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (preferred). - Currently actively licensed to practice law within the State of Michigan. - More than five (5) years of litigation experience (preferred), including extensive experience in all phases of discovery and lay and expert depositions. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan. - Valid Michigan Driver's License. - Ability to work irregular hours, commute to DWSD facilities, and respond to after-hour emergencies and on-call requests. - Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. (DWSD cannot sponsor employment visas). - Subject to alcohol and drug screening and a criminal background investigation. - Physical demands include sitting and standing for prolonged periods, light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, carrying, and manual dexterity. SELECTION PROCESS - This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of specific Court Orders (Case No. 77-71100). - DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates. - Candidates will be evaluated based on their legal education, active Michigan licensure, litigation experience, and proficiency in legal research systems (WestLaw/LexisNexis) and Microsoft Office. HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates must apply through the City of Detroit's official employment system, referencing Job Number NP-072026-502050. Applicants should ensure their submission highlights their Juris Doctor degree, active Michigan Bar membership, and relevant litigation experience. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Detroit - Department: Water Department (DWSD) - Location: DWSD - 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI 48226 - Job Type: Classified- Regular (DWSD Only) - Bargaining Unit: 9031-Non Union Appointees (DWSD) - Job Number: NP-072026-502050 - Opening Date: 07/28/2026