Chief Counsel - Office of the Mayor
ABOUT THE SHEFFIELD ADMINISTRATION
Detroit is entering a historic new chapter under Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. Elected with a decisive mandate, Mayor-Elect Sheffield brings a steady, community-rooted approach to governing—one focused on listening to residents, healing long-standing divides, and delivering meaningful improvements in daily life across every neighborhood. She will take office on January 1, 2026, with a commitment to building a city that lifts every family and expands opportunity for all.
As she forms her administration, Mayor-Elect Sheffield is assembling a talented, diverse team of leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and the courage to put forward bold, innovative ideas that move Detroit forward. Her team will drive a City government grounded in collaboration, equity, transparency, and results. The Sheffield Administration seeks mission-driven individuals who are ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to help shape Detroit’s future.
ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Office of the Mayor serves as the executive leadership center of the City of Detroit, responsible for advancing the Mayor’s policy agenda, coordinating citywide strategy, and delivering service to neighborhoods and residents. The Chief Counsel leads the Mayor’s in‑house legal team and serves as principal legal advisor to the Mayor, senior leadership, and City departments. The office provides legal oversight, risk management, regulatory compliance, legislative review, contract negotiation, ethics guidance, litigation strategy, and interagency coordination. Under the Mayor‑Elect’s administration, legal guidance plays a critical role in promoting transparency, equity, neighborhood stabilization, and accountable public service.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Chief Counsel reports directly to the Mayor and serves as the administration’s top legal advisor, managing all major legal matters impacting the executive branch of the City. The Chief Counsel provides strategic legal guidance on legislation, policy development, intergovernmental agreements, contracts, public records, ethics, regulatory compliance, and litigation risk. This role requires a seasoned attorney with substantial municipal or governmental legal experience, strong judgment, political acumen, and the ability to lead in high-stakes, rapidly evolving environments. The Chief Counsel ensures that legal strategy supports equitable governance, sound decision‑making, and the effective delivery of services to residents.
This role will drive the administration’s priorities, including:
Ensuring that major policy initiatives—such as neighborhood revitalization, housing stability, public health, and economic opportunity—are supported by strong legal frameworks.
Providing legal leadership that enables the City to negotiate major agreements, innovate in service delivery, and safeguard public assets.
Advising the Mayor on transparency laws, ethics obligations, regulatory changes, and governance reforms.
Coordinating legal strategy across departments, City Council, external partners, and state and federal agencies.Promoting proactive risk management, compliance, and equitable legal practices.
This description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive; duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified at the discretion of the Mayor.
Core responsibilities include:
Lead the Mayor’s legal office, establish strategic priorities, and supervise senior legal staff.
Advise the Mayor on legislation, executive orders, contracts, redevelopment agreements, public‑private partnerships, and procurement.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, land‑use agreements, and other legal instruments.
Oversee compliance with state and federal laws, local ordinances, ethics standards, and transparency requirements.
Serve as senior legal counsel for major initiatives involving housing, neighborhood development, public health, and infrastructure.
Coordinate legal strategy with the Law Department, departmental attorneys, and outside counsel.
Prepare legal briefings, decision memos, and strategic assessments for the Mayor and executive leadership.
Monitor legal developments impacting the City’s operations and policy agenda.
Strengthen legal frameworks supporting neighborhood‑driven development and equitable services.
Qualifications:
Member in good standing of the Michigan Bar and eligible to practice law in Michigan.
At least ten years of legal experience, including significant municipal or governmental practice.
Experience advising elected officials or senior executives in high‑stakes environments.
Strong background in municipal law, contracts, procurement, land‑use, litigation management, and public‑sector governance.
Exceptional judgment, communication, and leadership skills.
Record of proactive risk management, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership.
Commitment to equitable governance, neighborhood inclusion, and transparent operations.
Experience in Detroit or a major urban municipal environment strongly preferred.
Juris Doctor required; additional specialization preferred.
Rate of Pay: $170,000-$200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits: Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Detroit employees.
Equal Opportunity in Employment: The Sheffield Administration is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Even if you do not meet all of the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you have the skills, experience, and expertise necessary to thrive in this role. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those historically underrepresented in municipal government—to apply.