Assistant County Attorney III

DeKalb County; Decatur, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County in Georgia seeks an experienced attorney to serve as in-house counsel for multiple departments. You will provide legal advice and draft memoranda to support policy implementation.

The role covers employment law, open records, tax appeals, and contract matters, and represents county clients in hearings and litigation, in person and remotely as needed.

Requirements: Juris Doctor, Georgia bar, at least five years of practice, and a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree required with strong legal training.
• Minimum five years' experience in the practice of law.
• Licensed to practice in Georgia with bar admission.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to county clients and department heads.
• Represent assigned departments in litigation and hearings.
• Draft and review contracts to protect the county’s interests.
• Research laws, draft opinions, and develop compliance strategies.
• Maintain current knowledge of laws and participate in trainings.
• Advise on employment, open records, tax, and regulatory issues as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

Litigation representation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Grade: 25

Salary Range: $80,433 - $145,000: salary is commensurate with relevant experience.

Job Code: 03030

FLSA: Exempt

Essential Functions:

Experience in one or more areas of animal control, open records, tax appeals, and/or employment law preferred.

Serves as counsel representing the legal interests of the County for assigned departments in accordance with state laws and rules of professional conduct: provides legal advice to represented clients and other department heads, elected officials and managers as assigned; attends meetings; assesses legal issues presented; researches internal regulations, policies and procedures and relevant state and federal law; advises clients on legal solutions and execution of appropriate steps and implementation; writes legal opinions and memoranda; develops strategies and solutions to ensure compliance; and provides information regarding updated laws and regulations as needed.

Represents assigned clients in litigation: prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions and other discovery requests; prepares appropriate motions, briefs and pleadings; takes and defend depositions; meets with clients and other witnesses; conducts legal research; determines case strategy; represents clients in mediations, trials, and hearings in-person and remotely; argues client's position; makes and responds to legal arguments; presents and examines witnesses; introduces and/or objects to evidence; issues subpoenas; prepares and responds to appellate briefs; represents clients in appellate oral arguments; communicates with clients, opposing counsel, and adverse parties; maintains related documentation and files.

Drafts and reviews contracts and agreements: reviews contracts for compliance with internal policies and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws; conducts research; analyzes terms and conditions to ensure County's interests are protected; gives legal advice regarding contract details; and maintains related documentation and files.

Represents assigned departments in personnel matters; represents clients in Merit System hearings and other proceedings; conducts research; interviews clients; and represents the County’s interests.

Represents County Tax Assessor in tax appeals: prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for admission and requests for production of documents; attends mediations, arbitrations and hearings in-person and remotely; prepares for and represents clients at trial; meets with clients and expert witnesses; reviews and analyzes data submitted by client and taxpayer.

Develops and reviews legislation: reviews, drafts, and interprets laws, ordinances, regulations, and resolutions; reviews and interprets pending and new legislation; analyzes impact on County policies and services; provides advice and direction to County officials and departments regarding same.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in training and continuing education activities; and attends and conducts meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctor degree; a minimum of five years' experience in the practice of law; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; and must possess and maintain licensure from the Georgia State Bar Association.