DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AFFAIRS
Apply NowCompany: State of Michigan
Location: Lansing, MI 48911
Description:
Salary: $54.91 - $84.00 Hourly
Location : Lansing, MI
Job Type: SPS Contract
Job Number: 4702-25-0015 AN
Department: Corrections - Central Office
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: 4/21/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: NON-EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE (NERE)
Job Description
DIRECTOR OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION BUREAU OF LEGAL AFFAIRS
This position is responsible to set and execute the strategic direction for the Bureau of Legal Affairs. It is responsible for the oversight and administration of Legal Affairs for the Michigan Department of Corrections including the development of Departmental policy, programs, rules, and regulations in the furtherance of the Department's mission. Under the direction of the Deputy Director of BOA, this position also works with leaders from other state departments and the Office of the Attorney General. The administrator provides policy interpretation and legal guidance to the Director, Deputy Director and top executives of the department and has oversight responsibilities over the following sections within the Bureau of Legal Affairs.
See the full position description
View the job specification .
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.
Experience
Two years of professional, managerial experience.
Additional Requirements and Information
Preferred: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Extensive knowledge of statutes, administrative rules, and policy related corrections
Extensive knowledge of issues related to prisoner litigation and the judicial review process in state circuit courts.
Ability to formulate policies and procedures
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with high level staff, attorneys, and members of the public
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in any major?
02
Do you have two(2) years of professional, managerial experience?
03
*CORR5 - I understand that if selected for an interview, I will be scheduled electronically through NEOGOV. I have provided a valid e-mail and understand it is my responsibility to monitor said e-mail account for interview opportunities. I also acknowledge that correspondence received through NEOGOV may be sent to a junk mail (including state of Michigan junk mail) or spam account and I will monitor those accounts accordingly.
04
*CORR2 - Are you related to or acquainted with anyone who is currently incarcerated in a State prison, tether program, on parole or felony probation status? (NOTE: an affirmative response to this question will NOT automatically result in you being screened out for consideration)
05
*CORR3 - If yes, indicate name(s), and incarceration/supervision location of prisoner, parolee, or probationer. What is your relationship to the person(s)? If no, enter N/A
06
*CORR4 - I understand and agree that the Department of Corrections will complete a thorough investigation of my ENTIRE CRIMINAL HISTORY and may verify all data given in the criminal history check. Any material misrepresentation or deliberate omission of a fact in their application may be justification for refusal of, or if employed, termination from employment.
07
*CORR6 - Are you an active Michigan Department of Corrections employee? ACTIVE: Includes employees on layoff status due to a Reduction in Force whose recall rights have not expired.
08
*CORR9 I confirm that I have reviewed the required information on the Ethical Standards and Conduct via the link provided on the job posting. Based on that review please select the appropriate answer below.
09
*CORR10 -If you responded that you or a family member does have a conflict of interest to the question above, please explain in detail below. If you responded neither you nor a family member has a conflict please enter N/A.
10
CORR7 - If yes, please select your current work location:
11
*CORR11 - Have you ever been employed by the State of Michigan?
12
*CORR12 - IF you answered yes to the question above please identify which department, former name if used and/or ID number if known. If you answered no, please enter N/A.
13
SR01 - Are you related to anyone that is currently employed by the MDOC?
14
SR02 - If you answered YES, to question SR01, please provide the person's name, relationship to you and their current work location.
15
Do you hold a JD (Juris Doctor) or equivalent legal degree? If yes, from which institution?
16
Are you currently licensed and in good standing with a bar association? If so, which jurisdiction(s)?
17
How many years of experience do you have practicing law?
18
Have you previously held a leadership role within a legal department or similar setting? Please describe.
19
What industries have you worked in as legal counsel (e.g., healthcare, tech, government, finance)?
20
How do you balance legal risk with business needs when advising executive teams?
Required Question
Location : Lansing, MI
Job Type: SPS Contract
Job Number: 4702-25-0015 AN
Department: Corrections - Central Office
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: 4/21/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: NON-EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE (NERE)
Job Description
DIRECTOR OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION BUREAU OF LEGAL AFFAIRS
This position is responsible to set and execute the strategic direction for the Bureau of Legal Affairs. It is responsible for the oversight and administration of Legal Affairs for the Michigan Department of Corrections including the development of Departmental policy, programs, rules, and regulations in the furtherance of the Department's mission. Under the direction of the Deputy Director of BOA, this position also works with leaders from other state departments and the Office of the Attorney General. The administrator provides policy interpretation and legal guidance to the Director, Deputy Director and top executives of the department and has oversight responsibilities over the following sections within the Bureau of Legal Affairs.
- The Discriminatory Harassment and PREA investigation unit that is responsible for conducting investigations statewide for allegation of policy and work rule violations related to discriminatory harassment and PREA.
- The Rehearings Section reviews appeals from formal hearings submitted by prisoner, wardens and visitors and issues final decisions.
- The Freedom of Information Section responds to requests submitted under the Freedom of Information Act.
- The Grievance Section reviews prisoners' grievances and issues decision at the third (final) step. The Section also prepares written recommendations and coordinates reimbursement for prisoner property loss with the State Administrative Board.
- The Policy and Rules Development Section develops the Department's administrative rules and policy directives in consultation with appropriate program areas. The Section also maintains the Department's internet and internal network documentation system.
- The Litigation Section coordinates the litigation activities against the Department or its employees with the Department of Attorney General, including directing the Department's compliance with court orders and consent decrees.
See the full position description
View the job specification .
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.
Experience
Two years of professional, managerial experience.
Additional Requirements and Information
Preferred: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Extensive knowledge of statutes, administrative rules, and policy related corrections
Extensive knowledge of issues related to prisoner litigation and the judicial review process in state circuit courts.
Ability to formulate policies and procedures
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with high level staff, attorneys, and members of the public
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in any major?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have two(2) years of professional, managerial experience?
- Yes
- No
03
*CORR5 - I understand that if selected for an interview, I will be scheduled electronically through NEOGOV. I have provided a valid e-mail and understand it is my responsibility to monitor said e-mail account for interview opportunities. I also acknowledge that correspondence received through NEOGOV may be sent to a junk mail (including state of Michigan junk mail) or spam account and I will monitor those accounts accordingly.
- Yes
- No
04
*CORR2 - Are you related to or acquainted with anyone who is currently incarcerated in a State prison, tether program, on parole or felony probation status? (NOTE: an affirmative response to this question will NOT automatically result in you being screened out for consideration)
- Yes
- No
05
*CORR3 - If yes, indicate name(s), and incarceration/supervision location of prisoner, parolee, or probationer. What is your relationship to the person(s)? If no, enter N/A
06
*CORR4 - I understand and agree that the Department of Corrections will complete a thorough investigation of my ENTIRE CRIMINAL HISTORY and may verify all data given in the criminal history check. Any material misrepresentation or deliberate omission of a fact in their application may be justification for refusal of, or if employed, termination from employment.
- Yes
- No
07
*CORR6 - Are you an active Michigan Department of Corrections employee? ACTIVE: Includes employees on layoff status due to a Reduction in Force whose recall rights have not expired.
- Yes
- No
08
*CORR9 I confirm that I have reviewed the required information on the Ethical Standards and Conduct via the link provided on the job posting. Based on that review please select the appropriate answer below.
- Neither I nor any member of my immediate family (grandparent, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, sibling, spouse, child or stepchild), have personal or financial interests in a business or entity which is contracted with the State of Michigan. Indicate N/A in the box below if this applies.
- I, or a member of my immediate family (grandparent, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, sibling, spouse, child or stepchild), have personal or financial interests in a business or entity which is contracted with the State of Michigan as summarized below.
09
*CORR10 -If you responded that you or a family member does have a conflict of interest to the question above, please explain in detail below. If you responded neither you nor a family member has a conflict please enter N/A.
10
CORR7 - If yes, please select your current work location:
- Central Office
- FOA Metropolitan Territory
- FOA Outstate Territory
- Kinross Administrative Offices
- Ionia Administrative Offices
- Jackson Administrative Offices
- Alger Correctional Facility
- Baraga Correctional Facility
- Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility
- Carson City Correctional Facility
- Central Michigan Correctional Facility
- Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center
- Chippewa Correctional Facility
- Cooper Street Correctional Facility
- Detroit Detention Center
- Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility
- G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility
- Gus Harrison Correctional Facility
- Ionia Correctional Facility
- Kinross Correctional Facility
- Lakeland Correctional Facility
- Macomb Correctional Facility
- Marquette Branch Prison
- Muskegon Correctional Facility
- Newberry Correctional Facility
- Oaks Correctional Facility
- Parnall Correctional Facility
- Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility
- Saginaw Correctional Facility
- St. Louis Correctional Facility
- Thumb Correctional Facility
- Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility
- Woodland Correctional Facility
11
*CORR11 - Have you ever been employed by the State of Michigan?
- Yes
- No
12
*CORR12 - IF you answered yes to the question above please identify which department, former name if used and/or ID number if known. If you answered no, please enter N/A.
13
SR01 - Are you related to anyone that is currently employed by the MDOC?
- Yes
- No
14
SR02 - If you answered YES, to question SR01, please provide the person's name, relationship to you and their current work location.
15
Do you hold a JD (Juris Doctor) or equivalent legal degree? If yes, from which institution?
16
Are you currently licensed and in good standing with a bar association? If so, which jurisdiction(s)?
17
How many years of experience do you have practicing law?
18
Have you previously held a leadership role within a legal department or similar setting? Please describe.
19
What industries have you worked in as legal counsel (e.g., healthcare, tech, government, finance)?
20
How do you balance legal risk with business needs when advising executive teams?
Required Question