Quiet Title -- Staff Attorney I

SALARY RANGE: $56,600-95,100

*This role is exclusively on-site, requiring daily commutes to the office. Therefore, candidates must reside in the Detroit/Metro-Detroit area before employment*

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to return the city's blighted and vacant properties to productive use. We utilize a variety of Sales programs to make homeownership and land purchases accessible to Detroiters. Plus, we take our commitment to revitalization one step further with our Compliance and Nuisance Abatement programs, requiring renovation and occupancy to improve neighborhoods, eliminate blight, and combat real estate speculation. The Detroit Land Bank Authority works directly with individual buyers, as well as Community Partner organizations and developers for projects big and small.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Join our team and be a catalyst for positive change! We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about community building, enrichment, and development to contribute to our mission of enhancing the quality of life in our vibrant and diverse community.

The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) seeks a Staff Attorney to manage litigation in connection with the DLBA’s Quiet Title process. A successful applicant will be responsible for all aspects of civil litigation, including drafting pleadings, reviewing records, managing files, attending hearings, representing the organization’s interest in collaborative settings, and managing a personal case load.

A successful applicant’s salary will be commensurate with both their qualifications and years of practice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft pleadings, review records, attend hearings, manage files in various stages of the DLBA’s Quiet Title and general litigation processes
• Manage full case load of properties and be responsible for timely movement and resolution
• Respond to questions, requests for information, and, when appropriate, comments regarding the law from other DLBA staff, and the general public
• Provide direct supervision to support staff, as applicable
• Perform legal and general research
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Quiet Title Principal Attorney and Legal Department Management

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the Wayne County Treasurer foreclosure process
• Familiarity with Michigan real estate and municipal law
• Experience dealing with foreclosed properties
• Understanding of real property chain of title and ability to recognize issues that arise therein
• Experience in general civil litigation

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan
• Knowledge of Michigan district and circuit court practice, knowledge of Federal court practice also preferred, but not required
• Familiarity with and ability to prepare litigation documents
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in public speaking and writing
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to multi-task
• Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills, and good judgment to identify potential solutions
• Strong negotiation skills
• Understanding of and ability to apply attorney ethics rules
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team
• Ability to conduct research that is relevant, accurate, and thorough
• Experience using and proficiency with MS Office
• Mission-driven individual with high personal integrity and a strong sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit
• Detroit residency, preferred

BENEFITS

• Paid Holidays, Sick Days & CTO
• Health Benefit: Medical/Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision, dental, EAP and short-term disability
• Free Parking
• Retirement Savings Plan (457-B)
• Certification reimbursement/ License renewal reimbursement

 

**AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**