General Counsel

Compensation

$163,359.16 - $247,419.77

(Based on Experience)

Summary

Applications are currently being sought to fill the position of General Counsel for the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). GLWA is a publicly owned utility that has entered into long-term lease agreements with the City of Detroit for the operation of the regional water supply and sewage disposal systems. On January 1, 2016, GLWA began providing regional water and sewage services to Southeast Michigan communities. Services are provided to over 127 communities throughout the region, covering eight counties, and representing almost 40% of Michigan’s population. GLWA is guided by a six-member Board of Directors who appoint the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) responsible for the utility’s operations. GLWA has approximately 1,123 employees. The General Counsel is an at-will employee appointed by and serving at the pleasure of GLWA’s CEO.
The General Counsel serves as GLWA’s Chief Legal Officer and directs, plans, coordinates, and supervises the operations and activities for legal strategy and matters impacting GLWA. The General Counsel position requires a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion as well as the ability to develop and implement policies and procedures, develop and administer budgets, organize tasks, and set priorities. The General Counsel leads the Office of General Counsel and is responsible for the efficient and effective direction, operation, and management of that Office and its legal support for GLWA.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chief Legal Officer for GLWA
• Oversee management, development, conduct, and oversight of legal matters impacting the organization
• Lead the Office of General Counsel in an efficient and effective direction
• Provide legal support to GLWA and its Board
• Prepare, coordinate, represent, and support GLWA’s representation in legislative and public processes and proceedings
• Prepare, prosecute, coordinate, represent, litigate, or assist in the litigation of GLWA’s interests in administrative proceedings and cases, ranging in difficulty and impacting Michigan or federal jurisprudence
• Conduct or assist in the conduct of investigations
• Research, draft, prepare, and review legal documents including but not limited to forms, contracts, memoranda, opinions, client advisories, and correspondence
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and conduct legal strategy and negotiations in support of GLWA’s business objectives 
• Provide advice, counsel, and support for business initiatives 
• Maintain current active membership in the State Bar of Michigan with knowledge of law and practice in relevant areas
• Follow safety policies and procedures in carrying out duties 

Required Education and Experience

At the time of application, applicant must.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Juris Doctor’s degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association preferred 
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in the practice of law
• Two (2) years of supervisory or law office management experience

Preferred Experience 

• Ten (10) years of progressive responsibility in at least one of the following practice areas: Municipal Law, Employment Law, Litigation, Contracts, Administrative Law, Utility Law, and/or Municipal Bond work 
• Three (3) years of legal managerial experience, supervising both in-house counsel and outside counsel
• Prior legal experience working with a utility is preferred

Other Requirements

• Valid Michigan Driver’s License
• Ability to work irregular hours, commute to GLWA facilities and work sites, and respond to after-hour emergencies and on-call responses

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Environmental Working Requirements:
Work is performed in an office, plant or field environment with exposure to computer screens, working in team offices and closely with all staffing levels.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment. This includes health, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and team member discount programs. Retirement and Retirement Health Savings are effective the first day of employment. Click HERE for more information.

Note: Part-Time employment is not eligible for health benefits, however, is eligible to participate in the 457 Retirement Plan.

GLWA is an equal opportunity employer.

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