Legal Analyst

Job Description

Job Title

Position Title: Legal Analyst

Location: Central Office – Office of the General Counsel

Salary: $63,111 to $91,890

Reports to: General Counsel

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Hybrid. Eligible for 20% to 40% telecommuting (i.e., 1-2 days remote work) subject to successful completion of probationary period(s). Thereafter, continued telecommuting will be allowed subject to positive performance reviews and applicable policies and administrative guidelines.

Application Requirements

In addition to your resume, please prepare and include a second single PDF attachment that contains the following:

• Cover letter that includes:
• Acknowledgement of agreement to meet the commitments and conditions for this position
• A detailed description of how candidate meets each of the mandatory minimum qualifications, abilities, proficiencies and experiences.
• 2 to 3 references with contact information including name, business name (if applicable) mailing address, email address and phone number
• Copy of unofficial transcripts required for position (official transcripts will be required for hire)
• Certifications required for position (as applicable)
  
  

Applications without requested documents attached may be considered incomplete.

Position Summary

A Legal Analyst provides research, drafting, editing and analysis support and services to the attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”). Critical thinking, formatting, editing and organizational skills are imperative. Research and writing skills are highly preferred.

A Legal Analyst should have an active understanding of, and experience in, reviewing, researching and analyzing legal matters in litigation (required) and transactional (preferred) practice areas. A Legal Analyst should also possess expert interpersonal relationship skills, high attention to detail, superb organizational skills, the ability to prioritize duties and a willingness to complete varied tasks across practice areas. Also, a Legal Analyst will work closely with the OGC Office Manager on varied tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Paralegal Studies Certificate from an accredited institution and/or Law Degree (Juris Doctorate) from an accredited law school (Preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (Preferred).
  
  

Experience - Minimum Of

• 1 year of experience as a judicial law clerk; or
• 1-3 years of experience as a paralegal in a law firm, corporate or governmental legal department with emphasis on civil litigation and/or commercial transactions; or
• 1-3 years of experience as a legal assistant at a law firm.
• Highly proficient in computer-based legal research systems (i.e., Westlaw or Lexis) (Required).
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Word and Excel (Required).
• Highly proficient in Adobe (Preferred).
• Experience completing electronic and paper court filings (Required).
• Experience with Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act and other statutory compliance (Preferred).
• Experience working in a court, urban public school district or large/complex organizational setting.
  
  

Required Attributes For Success In Position

Excellent analytical and critical thinking.

• Ability to receive instruction, apply legal standards and/or principles and produce a well written and reasoned pleading, response, recommendation or agreement/contract.
• Demonstrated ability to structure and solve problems, synthesize analysis into key takeaways and recommendations.
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
  
  

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Professional presence necessary to effectively interact with individuals throughout the school district as well as members of the public (i.e., individuals/groups external to the district).
• Ability to work in a cross-departmental fashion.
• Exhibit a professional, positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team.
  
  

Excellent Organizational Skills And High Performance Of Job Duties.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks/work streams.
• Ability to work well under pressure of unanticipated quick turnarounds or heavy workload.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Detail-oriented and self-motivated.

Regular attendance is critical.

• Must have an exemplary attendance record.
• A Legal Analyst is eligible for 20% to 40% telecommuting (i.e., 1 to 2 days remote work) subject to successful completion of probationary period(s). Thereafter, a Legal Analyst’s continued telecommuting will be subject to positive performance reviews and applicable policies and administrative guidelines.
  
  

Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Essential Functions

• Interview client representatives and witnesses. (Preferred)
• Conduct and/or support investigations.
• Conduct legal and other research.
• Gather and assemble information.
• Provide support to litigation and transactional attorneys and the General Counsel.
• When needed, provide support and work in tandem with the OGC Office Manager on varied tasks.
• Draft legal documents. (Preferred)
• Edit and format legal documents and pleadings, including but not limited to contracts, memoranda of understanding/agreements, transactional documents, complaints, answers, discovery requests/responses, motions, orders and subpoenas. (Required)
• Analyze and summarize discovery, documents and depositions.
• Organize and maintain document control, tracking, databases and case management systems.
• Track, collate, review and file documents.
• File documents with courts and agencies.
• Prepare for, and assist at, hearings, trials and administrative hearings.
• Assist with real estate transactions and other non-litigation matters.
• Assist the FOIA Coordinator with FOIA requests (as needed).
• Use several software applications (e.g. databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishers, etc.) to complete assignments professionally.
• Prepare legal related reports.
• Support attorneys with case and docket management.
• When needed, provide support and work closely with the OGC Office Manager on varied tasks.
• Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the General Counsel (or Designee).
  
  

Security Clearance

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method Of Application

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) 873-6897.Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

DPSCD does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.