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Assistant Counsel Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Wayne County, MI

ASSISTANT COMMISSION COUNSEL

Detroit, MI · On-site

$80 - $115/hr

Wayne County Commission Assistant Commission Counsel Assistant Commission Counsel works with Commission Counsel to provide representation, consultation and support to the Wayne County Commission ...

Ohio Health

Serves as Assistant General Counsel reporting to the Vice President and Associate General Counsel. Provides legal advice and services on a broad spectrum of legal issues for OhioHealth including ...

City of Detroit

Paralegal (Legal Assistant)

Detroit, MI

$64K - $97K/yr

... Counsel of DWSD and is responsible for performing technical tasks; researching relevant laws ... to assist counsel; reviewing discovery for relevance; summarizing depositions; taking detailed ...

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Assistant Counsel information

See Michigan salary details

$55.8K

$115K

$182.2K

How much do assistant counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant counsel in Michigan is $114,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,700.00 and $139,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant counsel?

Assistant Counsel are legal professionals who support senior attorneys or general counsel within an organization. They provide legal advice, conduct research, draft documents, and help ensure the company complies with laws and regulations. In addition, Assistant Counsel may represent the organization in legal proceedings, negotiate contracts, and handle day-to-day legal inquiries. This role is essential for managing risk and supporting the legal needs of a business or government agency.

How does an assistant counsel typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Assistant Counsel frequently work cross-functionally, providing legal advice and support to various teams such as HR, compliance, procurement, and executive leadership. They help ensure contracts, policies, and business strategies comply with relevant laws and regulations. Regular collaboration may involve attending meetings, reviewing documents, and offering guidance on risk mitigation. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as Assistant Counsel often serve as a bridge between legal and non-legal staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Counsel, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid understanding of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and relevant compliance tools is essential. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set standout candidates apart in this role. Mastery of these competencies ensures effective legal support, risk mitigation, and positive outcomes for clients or the organization.

What is the difference between Assistant Counsel vs Associate Counsel?

AspectAssistant CounselAssociate Counsel
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLegal departments, law firms, corporate settingsLegal departments, law firms, corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate legal teams, government agenciesCommon in law firms, corporate legal teams
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry to mid-level legal rolesOften compared for mid-level legal roles

Assistant Counsel and Associate Counsel roles share similar educational and certification requirements and are often found in corporate legal departments and law firms. The main difference lies in their specific responsibilities and seniority level, with Associate Counsel typically having more experience and handling more complex legal matters. Both positions are integral to legal teams, but the title may reflect different levels of seniority and scope of work within the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Counsel jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Assistant Counsel jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Assistant Counsel job openings:

Assistant Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Counsel job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,974 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

ASSISTANT COMMISSION COUNSEL

Detroit, MI • On-site

Wayne County Government
See more jobs at Wayne County Governmentexternal

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Wayne County Commission
Job Title: Assistant Commission Counsel
Job Description: Assistant Commission Counsel works with Commission Counsel to provide representation, consultation and support to the Wayne County Commission, individual Commissioners, the Commission Clerk's Office, the Department of Administration, the Fiscal Agency, the Policy & Research Department, the Public Information Office, and the Office of the Legislative Auditor General.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
• Draft resolutions, ordinances, charter amendments, policies and procedures.
• Review and analyze contracts, ordinances and other matters before the Commission.
• Research public policy and legal issues, and draft memoranda.
• Attend full Commission and committee meetings and serve as the parliamentarian.
• Assist with and represent the Commission in legal proceedings, and draft motions and briefs.
• Negotiate and draft contracts.
• Advise on matters related to audits, and attestation and assurance engagements.
• Liaison with employees from all county departments and the offices of other elected officials to address matters of county concern.
• Advise on the compliance with laws including the Wayne County Charter, Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act, and the Open Meetings Act.
• Review and respond to Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Analyze and report on pending legislation that may impact the county's interests.
• Draft communications on behalf of the Commission, committees and individual Commissioners.
• Assist Commissioners with responses to constituent inquiries.
Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law
  • Civil litigation experience
  • Superior written and oral communication skills
  • Strong research, analytical and writing skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks while keeping track of critical dates and deadlines.

Salary Range: $80,000-$115,000
Deadline to Apply: Resumes accepted until position is filled
Please send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:
Wayne County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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