Assistant County Attorney IV

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government seeks an Assistant County Attorney IV to provide counsel for assigned departments under state law and professional conduct rules. The role covers animal control, open records, tax appeals and employment law, with broad responsibilities across litigation and advisory work.

The position requires a Juris Doctorate, six years of experience, and Georgia licensure to practice law, plus a Georgia driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree required; six years of experience practicing law or equivalent.
• Experience in one or more areas of animal control, open records, tax appeals and employment law preferred.
• Must possess and maintain Georgia driver’s license and Georgia State Bar licensure.

Responsibilities

• Serves as counsel for assigned county departments under state laws and professional conduct rules.
• Drafts and reviews contracts; provides legal advice and memoranda; develops compliance strategies.
• Represents County Tax Assessor in tax appeals and handles personnel matters and related hearings.
• Manages litigation, discovery, depositions, and court appearances as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Contract drafting

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Grade: 26

Salary Range: $84,321 - $160,000: salary is commensurate with relevant experience.

Job Code: 03020

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 in representing the legal interest 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 or managers as requested or assigned; attends meetings; assesses nature of the legal issue presented; researches internal regulations, policies and procedures or relevant state and federal law; advises client of legal solution 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.

Job Description

Assistant County Attorney IV

Grade: 26

Salary Range: $84,321 - $160,000: salary is commensurate with relevant experience.

Job Code: 03020

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 in representing the legal interest 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 or managers as requested or assigned; attends meetings; assesses nature of the legal issue presented; researches internal regulations, policies and procedures or relevant state and federal law; advises client of legal solution 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. Manages large and complex litigation; prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions and other discovery requests; prepares appropriate motions and other necessary pleadings; takes and defends depositions; meets with clients and other witnesses; conducts legal research; determines case strategy; attends 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 opposes to evidence; issues subpoenas; prepares and responds to appellate motions; and 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 and safeguard against potential ability; gives legal advice regarding contract details; and maintains related documentation and files. Represents assigned department in personnel matters; attends Personnel Board hearings and other proceedings; conducts research; interviews clients; and represents County’s interests. Represents County Tax Assessor in tax appeals; responds to the Notice of Appeal; 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 attends trial; meets with client and expert witnesses; and 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; and provides advice and direction to County officials and departments regarding the 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; attends and conducts meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications Juris Doctorate degree required; six years of experience practicing law; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

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