Description

City Attorney 

CITY CHARTER

SECTION 9. The City Attorney shall act as legal advisor to and as attorney and counsel for the municipality and all its officers and departments in matters relating to their official duties. He shall give written opinions to any official or departments of the City when requested in writing so to do, and shall file a copy of the same with the City Clerk.

He shall conduct for the City all cases in Court whenever the City is a party thereto;

He shall prepare, or officially pass upon, all contracts, bonds and other instruments in writing, in which the City is concerned, and shall certify before execution as to their legality and correctness of form;

He shall keep in his office copies of all franchises granted by the City, and of all contracts and agreements entered into by or on behalf of the City (the originals of which shall be in the custody of the City Clerk), together with the proper data and information concerning the same.

He shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Charter or by the City Council.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare formal opinions on the legal ramifications and implications of matters before the City, as requested by the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator or Department Head
• Represent the City in all civil litigation (dismissal, settlement or trial) by or against the City of Ecorse.
• Draft and/or review of ordinances, agreement and contracts. ü Participate in labor and non-labor negotiations as requested.
• Draft and/or review charter amendments.
• Assist the City in the sale or purchase of real estate as requested.
• Recommend legislation to the City Council when appropriate or requested.
• Attend City Council regular and special meetings as necessary.
• Prepare various legal documents required by the City.
• Represent the City in administrative proceedings before State agencies.
• Advise appropriate officials on policy affecting the enforcement of all City ordinances.
• Consult with Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, Department Head and various boards and City Council on proposed or revised City policies or ordinances.
• Meet on a monthly basis or as-needed with the City Administrator to review items referred to the City Attorney’s office and prepare monthly reports to the City Administrator on current litigation.
• Serves as a board member of the City Election Commission

The duties and responsibilities below are excluded from those of the City Attorney:

• Prosecuting Attorney
• Tax tribunals
• Bond counsel services

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• A juris doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited college or university.
• A valid license to practice law in the State of Michigan.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in municipal law and municipal litigation.