Director of Legal Affairs - Municipal Affairs Division

Director of Legal Affairs – Municipal Affairs Division (City Attorney’s Office)

We are currently seeking to fill the Director of Legal Affairs position in the Municipal Affairs Division of the City Attorney’s Office. Candidates must be licensed and in good standing with the State of Michigan Bar Association. The Director of Legal Affairs will lead Assistant City Attorneys and administrative staff, manage municipal activities, provide Board Counsel for various economic and community development boards, advise on municipal finance mechanisms, consult on statutes impacting municipal operations, and advise City departments on municipal issues.

This advanced professional legal position serves as the lead attorney and primary manager over the daily affairs of the division. Responsibilities include direct management and oversight of legal services for litigation, enforcement, and municipal law; supervision of legal staff; daily supervision of division operations; guidance and daily supervision of the division’s operations; staff direction; work assignment; performance reviews; coaching; facilitation of professional development;

LEAN initiatives; assistance with cost estimates and budgetary process. The director operates with a great deal of decision‑making autonomy, performing under the authority of the City Attorney. Supervision is exercised through periodic meetings and reports.

• Graduation from law school
• License to practice law in the State of Michigan
• Four (4) years of experience in the practice of law, including trial work
• Or any equivalent combination of training and experience

• Three (3) years of experience serving in a leadership or management role over professional legal staff.
• Six (6) years of experience with at least 3 years of municipal law and supervising other attorneys.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• Employee 401(a) contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% depending on bargaining unit)
• Retiree Health Savings Account contributions by Employee & Employer
• Voluntary benefits: term life, flexible spending, accidental insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Note: This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules.

EEO Statement: The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor.

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application.