General Counsel : Michigan

Michigan Nurses Association

MNA General Counsel

Based in Okemos, MI

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest, most effective union for RNs across the state. As the voice for all registered nurses in Michigan, MNA advocates for nurses and their patients at the Capitol, in the community, and at the bargaining table.

Position Summary: MNA seeks an experienced attorney to serve as its General Counsel and member of its executive team. The General Counsel will advise MNA’s executive staff and the Board of Directors on a wide variety of issues including labor union matters, lobbying and political engagement, board governance, constitutional and employment law, organizational policies, and contractual issues. The General Counsel is responsible for ensuring the consistent provision of excellent support services to members. Reports directly to and is responsible to the Executive Director.

MNA General Counsel Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to MNA executive staff and the Board of Directors.
• Provide legal advice and strategies to MNA staff regarding issues within MNA local bargaining units.
• Oversee and strategize with outside counsel on major, state-wide impact legislation.
• Oversee and strategize with outside counsel on member representation cases.
• Advise and represent MNA on internal labor relations and personnel matters.
• Monitor compliance with external legal requirements.
• Represent MNA in labor arbitrations, agency proceedings and judicial forums.
• Work closely with the Director of Field Services on collective bargaining matters, including the development of training programs for leaders and field staff and in the publication of collective bargaining/legal publications.
• Recommend programs, policies, and services that are aligned with MNA’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Contribute to the functioning and deliberations of the MNA executive staff.
• Manage, execute, and be a steward of the departmental and organizational budget, finances, and resources.
• Capable of acting as the chief negotiator or advisor in bargaining as needed.
• Perform other duties as defined by the Executive Director.

Requirements

• Strong academic background at both university and law school
• 7+ years of prior legal experience
• Some experience as an attorney in private practice preferred
• History of progressively more responsible assignments
• Prior work for or on behalf of labor unions
• The ability to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective
• Effective verbal communication skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Prior “First Chair” responsibility in contract negotiations, labor arbitrations, administrative hearings and state and federal court litigation
• License to practice law in the State of Michigan
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed

To Apply
Interested applicants should send their résumé together with university and law school academic transcripts and a writing sample to: Carol.feuss@minurses.org.