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Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.
 

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: September 17th, 2024

Deputy Corporation Counsel

Office of Corporation Counsel

Annual Salary: $115,835.20 – $145,891.20

Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity to make a difference in the community? The Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel is now hiring for a Deputy Corporation Counsel to join a team of dedicated professionals serving the people of Milwaukee County. 

The Office of the Corporation Counsel (OCC) serves as the chief legal counsel to all Milwaukee County departments, offices, boards, commissions, and elected officials concerning a wide range of civil legal issues that impact the County and the public.

Job Summary: Under Wis, Stat. § 59.42(2)(a), “Deputy corporation counsels shall have, according to their rank and seniority, the powers and duties of the corporation counsel in his or her absence or disability.” Accordingly, this Deputy Corporation Counsel shall serve as a senior attorney in management with supervisory authority over specific Assistant Corporation Counsels and practice areas as assigned and designated by Chief Corporation Counsel. This position will be the point person for supporting county departments and elected officials by providing legal advice on issues including but limited to public records, open meetings, ethics, contracting, procurement, real estate transactions and development, and municipal law. Additionally, this person would provide general litigation support, draft legal opinions, and staff committee and/or board meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts on behalf of county departments. Advise departments on various contract issues such as contracting authority, county board review, compliance, contract disputes. Train departments on the county contracting process. Develop standard forms and procedures for county contracting. 
• Advise departments and elected officials on issues relating to the public records and open meetings law. Review and investigated citizen complaints regarding local municipalities and officials’ compliance with the same. Initiate or defend mandamus actions as necessary. Provide trainings to elected officials, committees, and departments.
• Draft and review deeds, easements, sale agreements, and other related documents. Advise departments on issues relating to real estate transactions.
• Provide oral and written legal advice to county departments and elected officials as requested including at the County Board and its’ subcommittee meetings. Also, support the County Executive’s policy team by explaining state law and its impact on various policy initiatives.
• Provide legal support to the investigatory efforts of the Audit division, the Ethics Board, and the Department of Human Resources on sensitive issues as needed.
• Manage and Supervise Assistant Corporation Counsels providing regular constructive feedback and regular coaching/mentoring sessions. Work to advance the office’s strategic plan and constantly assess strengths and weakness of the office and think strategically about continuous improvement. Resource for attys on substantive work.
• When partnered with outside counsel on a transactional or advisory project, monitor their work, ask appropriate questions and feedback.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a current resident of the State of Wisconsin.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Wisconsin.
• At least five (5) years of practicing law experience
• At least one (1) years of supervisory/management experience
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel and the ability to use related software.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Self-starter with willingness and ability to take ownership of assigned work both individually and on teams.
• Ability to build strong working relationships internally and externally, to collaborate, and to foster cooperation and identify alignments among clients and stakeholders. 
• Mindset to carry out assigned work with a high degree of professionalism, civility, and ethics. 
• Excellent  verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare and present on legal topics to internal and external groups. ,
• Knowledge of federal and Wisconsin state civil procedure and Wisconsin State Statutes.
• Ability to regularly conduct legal research using a variety of relevant sources including Westlaw.
• Provide practical and accurate advice concerning a variety of sometimes novel and complex legal questions.

NOTE:  This original application is open to permanent residents of the state of Wisconsin at the time of application. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

PG 37AM P.B

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.