Law Clerk

SUMMARY

The Law Clerk at the Detroit Housing Commission will support the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This position is ideal for a current second-year law school student interested in practicing as in-house counsel, public housing, and landlord/tenant law, labor and employment law, real estate development, FOIAs, corporate governance, litigation, insurance, and contract law. The OGC Law Clerk conducts research and assists attorneys on a wide variety of matters, including drafting and editing memoranda, state and federal court pleadings, assisting with eviction and eviction diversion matters in landlord/tenant court (36th District Court), working on Freedom of Information Act requests, assisting with administrative matters (EEOC, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan Employment Relations Commission), attending and observing DHC Board meetings, and preparing summaries for executive leadership.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have completed the first year of law school with a passing grade in law school courses.
• Must be a current law school student in an American Bar Association-accredited law school.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must have or be able to acquire a valid state 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. KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of common law, city, state, and federal laws, rules of evidence, and judicial procedures
• 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

JOB DESCRIPTION LAW CLERK

• Knowledge of HUD programs, requirements, and policies/procedures
• Knowledge of DHC and departmental policies, procedures, and goals
• Knowledge of standard office procedures, filing, and standard office equipment, including computer, fax, copier, telephone system
• Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Knowledge of ADA, FLSA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, TITLE VII, EEO, Workers'
• Compensation, FCRA
• Knowledge of labor and employment law
• Knowledge of traditional and electronic legal research methods
• Knowledge of contract law
• Knowledge of consumer bankruptcy law
• Knowledge of real estate and development law
• Basic knowledge of privacy laws and federal and state
• Knowledge of freedom of information laws REQUIRED ABILITIES
• Maintain confidentiality
• Act independently
• Attend to details
• Analyze situations
• Communicate verbally
• Communicate in writing
• Concentrate
• Empathize
• Identify problems
• Initiate
• Manage pressure
• Motivate
• Organize
• Problem solve
• Think creatively
• Desire to serve internal clients and clients’ customers.
• Treat client and client's customers with respect and dignity.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• The ability to work well with diverse populations and stakeholders
• A willingness to learn new substantive areas to meet DHC’s needs
• Build consensus and bridge differences to accomplish organizational goals
• Communicate effectively orally or in writing with relevant stakeholders, internal and external, from a variety of backgrounds
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals
• Exercise sound judgment in analyzing situations and identifying potential problems within the scope of responsibility
• Maintain confidentiality
• Implement decisions in accordance with established requirements
• Operate a computer to perform various work-related tasks
• Provide high-level customer service both internally and externally
• Read and understand department-specific documentation, policies, and procedures
• Use sound judgment when implementing decisions
• Work under pressure of deadlines
• Use technology to store, retrieve, and compile data, prepare reports, and correspondence
• Analyze and interpret data and reports, formulate recommendations, and make effective decisions
• Anticipate potential issues to develop preventative actions
• Demonstrate and writing skills, exhibiting fluency of ideas and originality
• Establish priorities and deadlines to ensure efficiency
• Exercise tact, discretion, and diplomacy
• Interact with public and private agencies and residents to accomplish organizational goals
• Manage multiple priorities and demands within established requirements
• Operate standard office equipment
• Organize work to maximize productivity
• Plan, organize, and complete special projects to meet organizational goals
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and follow through on work projects to ensure efficiency
• Plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and modify systems or processes
• Prepare and present ideas and information in formal and informal settings
• Present ideas and information in a clear and concise manner

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

REPORTS TO

• Chief General Counsel

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Legal Research & Writing:

• Conduct legal research on federal, state, and local housing laws, administrative regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Draft memoranda, legal opinions, and summaries on various legal issues affecting the housing authority.

Contract & Procurement Support:

• Assist in reviewing and drafting contracts, leases, and procurement agreements.
• Conduct contract analysis to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Policy & Compliance Review:

• Analyze policies and procedures related to fair housing, landlord-tenant law, and public housing regulations.
• Support compliance monitoring efforts to ensure adherence to HUD regulations and other governing authorities.

Litigation Support:

• Assist in the preparation of pleadings, discovery responses, and other legal documents for litigation involving the housing authority.
• Attend and observe hearings, depositions, and administrative proceedings as permitted.

Public Records & FOIA Requests:

• Assist in reviewing and responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and other public records inquiries.

Resident & Tenant Matters:

• Research and assist in resolving landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings, and grievance hearings.
• Review reasonable accommodation and fair housing claims under the ADA and Fair Housing Act.

Board & Administrative Support:

• Assist in preparing resolutions, meeting minutes, and legal reports for board meetings.
• Review and summarize legal and policy updates relevant to the housing authority’s governance.

Interdepartmental Collaboration:

• Work with various departments, including Compliance, Procurement, and Resident Services, on legal matters.
• Provide legal support on special projects or policy initiatives as needed.

Community Outreach & Education:

• Assist in developing legal training materials for staff and tenants on housing rights and responsibilities.
• Participate in outreach programs related to housing law and tenant advocacy.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Support the Office of the General Counsel in additional tasks needed to further the mission of the housing authority.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

• All other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS

• Sitting
• Visual acuity
• Grasping/ finger manipulation
• Standing
• Walking
• Carrying
• Lifting
• Pushing
• Ascending/descending stairs
• Reaching

EQUIPMENT

• Phones
• Computer/laptop
• Copiers/printers
• Scanners
• Monitors
• Communication systems

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Exposure to real-world legal issues
• Mentorship from team members in the Office of the General Counsel
• Networking opportunities
• Indoor environments
• Exposed to continual, multiple distractions SOFTWARE
• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Internet software
• Programming 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.