Conrad L. Mallett Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Conrad L. Mallett Jr.
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Mallett in 2022
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| Corporation Counsel of Detroit | |
| Assumed office April 26, 2022 |
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| Mayor | Mike Duggan |
| Deputy Mayor of Detroit | |
| In office May 25, 2020 – April 26, 2022 |
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| Mayor | Mike Duggan |
| Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court | |
| In office 1997–1998 |
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| Preceded by | James H. Brickley |
| Succeeded by | Elizabeth Weaver |
| Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court | |
| In office 1990–1999 |
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| Preceded by | Dennis Archer |
| Succeeded by | Robert P. Young Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 12, 1953 |
Conrad Leroy Mallett Jr. was born on October 12, 1953. He is a lawyer and businessman from Michigan. Currently, he works as the corporation counsel for the city of Detroit. This means he is the main lawyer for the city government.
Before this role, Mr. Mallett was the deputy mayor of Detroit. He worked under Mayor Mike Duggan. He also served as a justice of the Michigan Supreme Court from 1990 to 1999. During that time, he was the chief justice in 1997 and 1998.
Contents
What is a Corporation Counsel?
A corporation counsel is like the head lawyer for a city. They give legal advice to the mayor and city council. They also represent the city in court. This job is very important for making sure the city follows the law.
Mr. Mallett's Career Journey
Mr. Mallett has had a long and interesting career. He has held many important positions.
Serving on the Michigan Supreme Court
Mr. Mallett was a Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court for many years. He served from December 21, 1990, to January 2, 1999. In 1997 and 1998, he became the chief justice. This was a big achievement because he was the first African American to hold that position.
Roles in Business and Healthcare
Beyond his work in law, Mr. Mallett also worked in business. He was on the Board of Directors for Lear Corporation. He also spent twenty years as a leader at the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). This is a large healthcare system.
He was the president of DMC's Sinai-Grace Hospital from 2003 to 2011. In 2017, he was the temporary CEO of DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. Before all this, he was a partner at a law firm in Detroit called Miller Canfield.
Becoming Deputy Mayor of Detroit
In May 2020, Mr. Mallett was chosen to be the deputy mayor of Detroit. He started this job on May 25, 2020. As deputy mayor, he helped lead the city's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a very challenging time for everyone.
Appointment as Corporation Counsel
In 2022, Mr. Mallett was named the corporation counsel for the City of Detroit. When he was first suggested for the job, some members of the Detroit City Council had questions. His nomination was first put on hold.
However, after looking for other candidates, he was nominated again. After several months of discussions, his appointment was approved on April 26, 2022.
Public Records and Transparency
After Mr. Mallett became Detroit's corporation counsel, the city changed how it handled some public records. Specifically, parts of police officers' discipline records were made private. These records are often requested by the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA is a law that lets people ask for government records.
Before this change, the city used to share these records completely. As the head of the city's law department, Mr. Mallett oversees how FOIA requests are handled.
Some people, including lawyers and reporters, questioned this new policy. They pointed out that another law, the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act, says it should not stop people from getting records under FOIA. Mr. Mallett explained the city's policy in an interview. This policy was discussed by many, including a Detroit police commissioner and activists.
