General Counsel

POSITION: The General Counsel reports directly to the Executive Director of MAP and is a member of the executive team as outlined in the MAP organizational chart.  The General Counsel is responsible for assisting the Executive Director with the oversight of legal matters involving MAP and MSAS and it’s employees as a party or witness; professional responsibility and legal ethics matters; compliance with government contract and program requirements; negotiating and enforcing contracts and leases; labor and employment matters; insurance matters; compliance with grants and other non-profit regulations.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: Michigan Advocacy Program’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. MAP has provided civil legal aid for those unable to afford an attorney for more than 50 years. Today, MAP’s Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) helps individuals and families achieve safety, stability, and economic security by providing free civil legal services with an emphasis on homelessness prevention, domestic violence and elder abuse prevention, and assistance in accessing health care, food, and needs-based income programs.  In addition to LSSCM, MAP manages six statewide programs serving immigrant communities (Michigan Immigrant Rights Center), vulnerable older adults (Michigan Elder Justice Initiative), survivors of domestic violence and elder abuse (Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program), and providing access to legal information to self-represented litigants (Michigan Legal Help Program).  MAP has a staff of about 220 people in offices in Battle Creek, Detroit, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Monroe, and Ypsilanti. Visit www.miadvocacy.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties of the General Counsel include but are not limited to:

Support MAP and MSAS on legal ethics and the practice of law:

• Resolve questions of interpretation under the Michigan Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Assist in the oversight of legal matters involving MAP or MSAS as a party.
• Provide guidance in responding to AGC complaints and work with outside counsel as necessary.
• Provide training and legal support to help ensure compliance with the Michigan Rules of Professional Responsibility including compliance with confidentiality, conflicts, and practice of law requirements including those applicable to non attorney members of cross disciplinary teams.
• Monitor the use of technology advances in the practice of law.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of office wide systems to track outcomes, improve productivity and establish practice standards for offices.
• Support the Director of Advocacy with compliance on lobbying rules and regulations and other LSC/funder requirements.
• Assist in tracking litigation in which MAP/MSAS or its employees are parties and/or witnesses, preparing witnesses to testify, representing witnesses, working with outside counsel, and reporting on the status of the litigation and potential litigation.
  
  

Provide support in Employment Law Matters:

• Support the Executive Directors and HR department in labor and employment matters.
• Work with outside counsel to handle any employment issues including but not limited to EEO and other personnel policies.
• Help maintain and interpret employee policies and best practices.
• Along with the Executive Director of MAP, support HR in interpreting the Collective Bargaining Agreement and handling union grievances.
• Along with the Executive Director of MSAS, support HR in interpreting MSAS personnel policies.
• Participate in Union negotiations.
• Provide general legal support on topics such as benefit administration, harassment and discrimination, and employee privacy.
  
  

Provide Legal Support for Transactional and Operational Activities:

• Help interpret and ensure compliance with funding contracts.
• Review, negotiate, and draft agreements with consultants, vendors, landlords and partner organizations.
• Supervise and report on the work of outside counsel or pro bono counsel when representing MAP and its subsidiaries.
• Assist with real estate and facility operation matters.
  
  

Financial:

• Review and sign checks.
• Assist with Bank Reconciliations.
• Assist with Audits as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Juris Doctor and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Michigan.
• Minimum 10 years legal experience. Experience in employment law and/or program administration preferred.
• Broad knowledge of federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations.
• Experience conducting and/or supervising employment-related investigations is preferred.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to balance legal risks with business strategy.
• Excellent analytical, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to MAP’s mission to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions.

BENEFITS: Starting salary is from $110,000 depending on experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short and long term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year.  MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment.  MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/142. Applications received by November 22, 2024 will receive priority.

 

The Michigan Advocacy Program is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.