Assistant County Attorney (At Will/FT/Benefits)

Harford County Government; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Harford County Government seeks an Assistant County Attorney to advise the Executive Branch and county agencies. The role involves drafting legal documents, researching issues, and presenting findings to clients and boards.

A strong background in civil litigation, contracts, and land use is preferred. The ideal candidate will possess a Juris Doctorate and be in good standing with the Maryland Bar, with the ability to communicate clearly and manage multiple tasks under deadlines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required; admitted to the Maryland Bar in good standing.
• Strong legal research and writing abilities; excellent oral communication.
• Experience with civil litigation, admin law or land use is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide competent legal advice and representation to the Executive Branch and local government boards.
• Draft and review legal documents, legislation, and litigation papers.
• Conduct legal research and prepare formal comments on proposed legislation and regulations.
• Prepare and review documents for real property acquisitions, dispositions and leases.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral presentation

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate - Law

Maryland Bar admission

Job description

Job Description Summary:The Department of Law is an Office of General Counsel for a Maryland local government. When fully staffed, the department has 9 attorneys and addresses legal issues for an employer of 1,500± employees.The successful candidate will obtain exposure to and be required to identify issues arising from many legal specialties including, but not limited to: administrative; agency; building codes and code enforcement; civil rights; constitutional; contract; employment; environmental; land use; zoning and subdivision regulations; ethics; housing and community services; and governmental immunities.With general direction from the County Attorney, an Assistant County Attorney must provide competent legal advice and representation to the Executive Branch and local government boards and commissions. Excellent skills in legal research, legal writing, and oral presentation are required. An applicant who is selected for interview should bring a writing sample composed entirely by applicant for submission and review. An Assistant County Attorney drafts and reviews legal documents, legislation, advice and counsel recommendations, and may draft pleadings and litigation papers.Harford County Government Core Values are essential to successful job performance and this position, as with all positions at Harford County, is accountable for integrating Core Values in the execution of responsibilities.Harford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.Job Description:Salary Range: $70,276-$161,328.00BUDGETED SALARY: $70,276.00-$125,000.00Essential Duties:Competent legal writing and research skills;Good in-person verbal communication skills;Ability to spot legal issues, prioritize problem solving tasks and work under pressure and time deadlines;Willingness to litigate contested cases in administrative, State and Federal tribunals;Ability to communicate legal matters clearly, concisely and in a manner comprehensible to clients;Represents the interests of Harford County/the Executive Branch:In legal disputes pending before administrative tribunals and in State or Federal courtsBefore State or Federal agencies, boards, commissions and units of governmentin matters involving private sector businesses, citizen groups, and legislative bodiesRenders legal advice to Executive Branch departments, agencies and officials;Conducts legal research and drafts agreements for departments and agencies funded by the County or within the Executive Branch;Drafts, reviews and/or prepares formal comments and/or makes substantive recommendations with respect to proposed legislation, administrative rules and regulations and policies;Prepares and/or reviews necessary documents for real property acquisition, disposition and rental.Years of Experience:A minimum of one (1) year of relevant legal experience is requiredGovernment representation experience preferredCivil Litigation experience preferredLand Use and Zoning experience preferredYears of Supervisory Experience: N/AEducation:Juris Doctorate - LawCertifications, Licensures, and Examinations:Must be a member in good standing of the Maryland BarMember in good standing in Federal bars preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Ability to conduct research and present findings;Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders;Detail-oriented while grasping and advancing desired objectives and outcomes;Knowledge of negotiation strategy and tactics and conflict resolution techniques;Ability to find, interpret and apply a variety of laws, rules, regulations, standards, procedures and contracts;Knowledge of relevant Federal, State or Local laws, policies, and procedures;Ability to conduct research and present findings;Knowledge of Maryland case and statutory law;Ability to persuasively present thoughts and ideas;Ability to solve problems by analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems;Ability to present matters clearly and concisely;Organizational skills including the capacity to anticipate issues and prioritize tasks, ability to manage multiple priorities or projects;Ability to critically evaluate and analyze information in written materials; andAbility to manage clients and client expectations.*This is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the County Attorney.BENEFITS:Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:Health, Dental & Vision insuranceFlexible Spending AccountsState Retirement Plan and Deferred CompensationLong Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and ChildrenGenerous Leave Package & Paid HolidaysTuition ReimbursementLICENSE & CERTIFICATION:A valid Class C non-commercial drivers license with no more than three (3) points.SAFETY:Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.COMPENSATION:Other compensation may include but is not limited to:OvertimeCompensatory timeShift Differentials