Description

The State Bar of Michigan has an immediate opening for a Public Policy Counsel/Analyst. The Public Policy Counsel/Analyst will assist in fulfilling the State Bar’s public policy mission by engaging in strategic and effective advocacy on court rule amendments, legislation, and other public policy items. This individual will assist volunteer leadership at the Bar in developing public policy positions and build and maintain relationships with legislative and court officials, associations, and other stakeholders in the justice system. The Public Policy Counsel/Analyst will act as a subject matter expert on legislative issues affecting the regulation of the legal profession and the improvement of legal services to society.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Assist with advocating State Bar positions to the Michigan Supreme Court, legislators, legislative staff, and other policymakers.
  • Consult on effective advocacy strategy for public policy positions.
  • Draft letters articulating judicial public policy positions taken by the Board of Commissioners and Representative Assembly.
  • Assist with testimony on public policy matters.
• Assist the Board of Commissioners and Representative Assembly in reaching well-informed public policy positions.
  • Draft memoranda analyzing whether the State Bar of Michigan may take a position on legislation under the constraints set forth in Keller v State Bar of California.
  • Consult and assist in developing public policy proposals for consideration by the Board of Commissioners and/or the Representative Assembly.
  • Assist the commissioner public policy committee in making recommendations to the Board of Commissions, including answering questions, engaging in research, and compiling section and committee recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal and external entities to develop effective advocacy strategies.
• Advise on public policy proposals developed by State Bar committees and workgroups.
• Help develop proactive and reactive strategies to meet the State Bar’s legislative and judicial policy goals.
• Assist in improving content for the Public Policy Resource Center, including section and committee handbooks.
• Serve as liaison or co-liaison to public policy standing committees, workgroups and task forces as assigned by the Director of Governmental Relations.
  • Coordinate committee meetings, including scheduling meetings, creating agendas, and organizing meetings materials.
  • Research public policy items in advance of meeting.
  • Draft committee public policy recommendations and reports to be considered by Board and/or Representative Assembly.
  • Develop outreach strategies to obtain stakeholder input on proactive public policy projects.
• Assist Representative Assembly.
• Assist with preparing weekly Public Policy Update, including reviewing, and categorizing newly introduced legislation.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Position Guidelines (Education, Experience, Knowledge Skills, and Abilities):

• Law degree [with counsel title]
• Knowledge of legislative and judicial policy making processes.
• Knowledge of public policy issues related to the legal profession.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strong experience with technology and social media
• Ability to exercise judgment in all phases of analysis, including alternative proposals and policy consequences.
• Ability to work effectively under the pressure of tight time frames and deadlines.
• Ability to meet department standards regarding job knowledge, quality, efficiency, initiative, teamwork, customer service, and overall performance.

How to apply: please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to employment@michbar.org. This position is temporarily remote, but will be based in Lansing, Michigan.

The State Bar of Michigan embraces a culture within its workplace as well as in leadership and governance processes that is open to and respects differing views and perspectives. The State Bar of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.