Chief General Counsel

SUMMARY 

This is a senior-level position and is a member of the C·Suite/Executive Leadership Team to serve as a trusted confidante, legal advisor, and provide representation to the Executive Director, Deputy Director, the Board of Commissioners, and DHC employees, as appropriate. The Chief General Counsel purpose is to provide a wide range of legal services to include but not limited to:

Employment Law Advice & Counsel: Provide general legal services and advice pertaining to employment issues and personnel policies at DHC.

Corporate Transaction/Corporate Structure: Draft and/or review organizational documents as required for the reorganization and/or formation of any OHC subsidiary or affiliated entity formed to act as an ownership, development, or lending entity, relative to development projects and OHC self-development.

Real Estate Development Transactions/Contract Review: Provide legal services and advice involving the negotiation, preparation and review of all contracts, agreements, evidentiaries, opinions, documents and other writings necessary to implement or assist in the implementation of all phases of any mixed-finance projects, and other development-related work. Examples of such materials include documents such as ground leases, regulatory and operating agreements, declaration of restrictive covenants, management agreements, development agreements, and loan documents, etc.

Assist with real property acquisition and real property demolition and disposition matters involving public and private real estate opportunities and other property-related issues.

Maintain communications and participate in meetings and conference calls with the DHC Board and staff, as necessary.

This role will supervise the work of all other attorneys and support staff; maintain liaison with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) local counsel Imperative to the continuous growth of the Organization, this role also involves the development of legal procedures, contracts, guidelines, and policies. Reviews all documents that create a contractual arrangement with outside entities prior to DHC execution.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Law degree from an accredited law school and admission or eligibility for admission to the Bar of the State of Michigan, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Seven to ten years' experience in the practice of law with preferred experience in the areas of public administration, landlord tenant law, housing, real estate, affordable housing finance, bond financing, administrative law, tax credits, or general commercial transactions, of which five (5) years shall have been in a position of management or supervision. Public sector experience preferred
• Seven years of experience in employment and/or labor law
• Five years of Litigation experience

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have or be able to acquire a valid state of MI driver’s license
• Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
• Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy
• Must be bondable and insurable 
• Must be willing to work traditional and non-traditional or weekend hours as required 
• Licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Michigan

KNOWLEDGE 

• Knowledge of common law, city, state and federal laws, rules of evidence and judicial procedures
• Knowledge of the range of laws and regulations which impact on all facets of Commission legal and policy issues Knowledge of legal terminology, the formats of a variety of legal documents, legal processes and procedures, and court/hearing rules, records, procedures and protocol
• Knowledge of Housing & Urban Development Public Housing regulations and policies pertinent to the department Knowledge pertaining to municipal, state, and federal housing acts/laws
• Knowledge of contract law
• Knowledge of labor and employment law
• Knowledge of ADA, FLSA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, TITLE VII, EEO, Workers' Compensation, FCRA
• Knowledge of common law, city, state and federal laws, rules of evidence and judicial procedures Knowledge of HUD programs, requirements, and policies/procedures
• Knowledge of DHC and departmental policies, procedures, and goals Knowledge of organization's structure, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of standard office procedures, filing, and standard office equipment, Including computer, fax, copier, telephone system
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of automated Information systems, and data processing Knowledge of the operation of commission and HUD computer system and software
• Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and institutional procedures Knowledge of traditional and electronic legal research methods
• Knowledge of law office procedures and managing the workflow of a law office Knowledge and understanding of file, record and matter management systems
• Knowledge of legal terminology, the formats of a variety of legal documents, legal processes and procedures, and court/hearing rules, records, procedures and protocol
• Knowledge of privacy and Freedom of Information laws; parliamentary procedure
• Knowledge of principles and practices for employee development 
• Advanced knowledge of Windows Office 365 skills (Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, SharePoint)

 REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Act independently
• Adaptability – advanced
• Analyze situations
• Attend to details
• Communicate verbally
• Communicate in writing
• Concentrate
• Conflict Resolution
• Desire to serve internal and client's customers
• Effective Leadership
• Empathize
• Identify problems
• Initiate
• Manage pressure
• Motivate
• Multi-task
• Organize
• Problem solve
• Think creatively
• Timely completion of projects

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Allocate resources, build consensus, and bridge differences to accomplish organizational goals
• Analyze and interpret data and reports, and formulate recommendations and make effective decisions 
• Anticipate potential issues to develop preventative actions
• Communicate effectively orally or in writing with relevant stakeholders, internal and external, from a variety of backgrounds.
• Delegate duties and assignments to achieve objectives
• Provide oversight and direction to outside legal counsel; serve as relationship manager
• Demonstrate leadership skills, guiding and motivating employees to accomplish organizational goals Demonstrate writing, research and marketing skills exhibiting fluency of ideas and originality
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals Develop policies and procedures congruent with organizations’ needs
• Establish priorities and deadlines to assure efficiency
• Exercise sound judgment in analyzing situations and identifying potential problems within scope of responsibility Prepare and present ideas and information in formal and informal settings
• Present ideas and information in a clear and concise manner Promote intra-departmental and inter-departmental cooperation
• Provide high level, quality customer service both internally and externally Provide ongoing performance feedback to direct reports
• Understand and apply HUD organizational rules, instructions, policies and procedures appropriately
• Use sound judgment when implementing decisions Work under pressure of deadlines
• Exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy
• Implement decisions in accordance with established requirements Lead with vision and expertise
• Manage multiple priorities and demands within established requirements Maintain confidentiality
• Organize work to maximize productivity
• Plan, organize, complete, or assign work and special projects in order to meet organizational goals Plan, organize, coordinate, and follow through on work projects to ensure efficiency
• Compile data and prepare reports
• Develop and use evaluation systems, and work simplification and process modeling tools Establish evaluation standards and evaluate performance
• Input, retrieve, download, merge, output and maintain information from software programs and systems Interact with public and private agencies and residents to accomplish organizational goals
• Master position-specific software
• Operate a computer to perform various work-related tasks Operate standard office equipment
• Plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and modify systems or processes
• Read and understand department specific documentation, and policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct employee supervisory responsibilities of 1-5 employees 

REPORTS TO

• Executive Director and the Deputy Director

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

[The fundamental job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would fundamentally change the job]

• Maintain client confidence; serves as trusted confidante and legal advisor to the Chief Executive
• Supervise all activities of the Office of General Counsel (OGC), including transactional work on real estate acquisition, redevelopment, real estate finance, tax and bond matters, as well as administrative, and regulatory, matters. 
• Supervise legal work of all Commission attorneys and consult on difficult or sensitive issues 
• Improve safety and security practices across the organization and strengthen protocols that protect residents and staff
• Strengthen legal support for RAD, mixed‑finance, and LIHTC projects and improve coordination with development partners.
• Standardize lease‑enforcement processes and strengthen support for Property Management.
• Strengthen cross‑department collaboration, clarify expectations, and support consistent communication between OGC and DHC departments.
• Monitor, in collaboration with Human Resources, issues that impact the work environment
• Assist with the Labor-Management negotiating processes, including supporting collective bargaining strategies and offers at the table.
• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the OGC's goals and objectives; recruit, employ, train, supervise and evaluate Department Staff
• Develop and manage annual budgets for the Office of General Counsel and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses
• Maintain a strong, ongoing relationship with the Board of Commissioners, executives, and senior staff
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in seminars and workshops; maintain professional affiliations to keep abreast of developments and trends in relevant areas of law
• Draft, review and approve policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws and other legal documents. Prepare and/or review opinions and/or memoranda of law.
• Advise the Board of Commissioners. the Executive Director and the Deputy Director, Department Heads, and staff on legal matters
• Review and interpret federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and court and/or administrative decisions Anticipate and identify legal issues and counsel Commission officers and upper management in order to develop legal strategies and solutions, often in situations of great political, public relations, or financial risk or significance, and with limited time for assessing alternatives
• Represent and/or oversee the representation of the Commission and its officers and employees in litigation before all federal and state courts and/or administrative agencies including preparing pleadings, briefs, motions, and other documents.
• Recommend appeal and/or settlement of litigation and/or claims to the Executive Director and the Deputy Director and/or Board of Commissioners
• Manage or coordinate work of outside counsel. Liaison with the HUD local counsel, as appropriate
• Develop and conduct or arrange/facilitate training for clients, as appropriate, on legal requirements at the request of the Executive Director and the Deputy Directot
• Represent the Commission to the public regarding legal matters affecting the Commission
• Manage or coordinate all aspects of the department’s work, including project legal work and supervision of legal support staff and outside counsel
• Ensure representation of DHC in all legal transactions and settings is timely, responsive, professional and of high quality

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS 

[These are job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would NOT fundamentally change the job]

• Collect damages and debts due the Commission
• All other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS

• Sitting 
• Visual acuity
• Discerning colors 
• Walking
• Lifting
• Grasping/ finger manipulation 
• Carrying
• Pushing 
• Pulling 
• Standing
• Ascending/descending stairs 
• Reaching
• Bending 
• Kneeling 
• Crouching
• Traversing rough or uneven terrain

EQUIPMENT

• Phones
• Computer/laptop
• Copiers/printers
• Scanners
• Monitors
• Communication systems
• Projectors
• Hand tools

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor environment
• Outdoor environment

SOFTWARE

• Internet software
• Word processing software
• Customer relationship management software
• Database software
• Payroll/human resources
• Purchasing systems
• Spreadsheet software

DISCLAIMER
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principle duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

MARIJUANA

Although marijuana has been legalized under Michigan law, it is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. As a federally funded agency DHC’s employees are NOT permitted to use or possess any form of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Any applicant for employment who tests positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug screening shall be ineligible for employment with DHC. Any applicant for employment who advises DHC that s/he uses any form of marijuana will be ineligible for employment with DHC. DHC is unable to grant a request for a reasonable accommodation to use marijuana under any circumstance.

EOE STATEMENT

The Detroit Housing Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No personnel decisions concerning any term or condition of employment shall be unlawfully based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), national origin, age, marital status, weight, height, disability, genetic information including family medical history, military service, or misdemeanor arrest record. Additionally, DHC shall not engage in discriminatory compensation decisions or practices.