CHILD ATTORNEY II

Fulton County Government; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fulton County Government, Office of the Child Attorney, Georgia, seeks an experienced attorney to provide legal representation, advice and counsel to juvenile clients during court and related proceedings, including motions, hearings, mediations, and appeals. The position is distinguished by directing junior lawyers and interns, and requiring at least three years of law practice.

The incumbent supervises staff, drafts legal documents, and maintains case files and communications with clients and

Qualifications

• Must document that applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education and experience as listed to be rated as qualified.
• Official, accredited college transcript required at time of employment for all degrees/course work used to qualify.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain certification from the State Bar of Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Lead counsel in representing juvenile clients in accordance with state laws and professional conduct.
• Provides guidance and direction to junior lawyers and interns as assigned; trains and assists with complex situations.
• Develops theory of the case; investigates allegations, interviews witnesses, and drafts motions and briefs.
• Maintains communications with clients, DFACS case managers, foster parents and professionals involved with cases.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Job description

UNCLASSIFIED POSITION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHILD ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree required; supplemented by three years of experience as a lawyer.

Specific License or Certification Required:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain certification from the State Bar of Georgia.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Examination:

The examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience, accomplished by analysis of the application. Application must document that the applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education and experience as listed to be rated as qualified. If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required, at time of employment, for all degrees/course work used to qualify for this position.

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to provide legal representation, advice and counsel to juveniles during court and related proceedings, including motions, hearings, mediations, and appeals. This classification is distinguished from Child Attorney I, in that incumbents in this class provide guidance and direction to junior lawyers and interns, and have at least three years of previous law experience.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provides guidance and direction to junior lawyers and interns as assigned: confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with junior lawyers and interns, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; trains and instructs junior lawyers and interns regarding operational procedures, juvenile and child welfare law, courtroom techniques, etc.; assists with supervision of junior lawyers and interns by reporting employee problems and providing input on employee performance evaluations.
• Serves as lead counsel in representing the legal interest of juvenile clients in accordance with state laws and rules of professional conduct: attends all court hearings and related proceedings in juvenile court, tribunals, state court, appellate court, and superior court; argues client's position; makes and responds to legal arguments; presents and examines witnesses; introduces and/or opposes to evidence; researches and drafts motions and petitions; issues subpoenas; files appeals; communicates with clients, opposing counsel, and adverse parties; maintains related documentation and files.
• Develops theory of the case and investigates case specifics: investigates allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect; interviews and prepares witnesses; researches and reviews physical evidence, medical records, psychological evaluations and assessments, and legal documents; utilizes experts; researches case law and writes legal research memorandums, briefs and notes; maintains related documentation and files.
• Maintains communications with clients: visits with child clients in their placements and educational settings; interviews clients to discuss problems, options and consequences; counsels and advises child client regarding case specifics, nature of proceedings, and legal strategies; maintains related documentation and files.
• Attends multidisciplinary meetings: addresses child client services and case status: communicates with DFACS case managers and attorneys to ensure services for child clients; communicates with foster parents, educators, medical and mental health professionals, etc. to address client needs; maintains related documentation and files.
• 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.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including court records, educational records, medical records and case law updates; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including motions, legal briefs, responsive pleadings and permanency and case closure forms; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates and maintains a motor vehicle; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with supervisor, other employees, clients, judges, court staff, witnesses, third party service contractors, medical professionals, educators, parents, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization

Requires the ability to coordinate, manage, and/or correlate data. Includes exercising judgment in determining time, place and/or sequence of operations, referencing data analyses to determine the necessity for revision of organizational components, and in the formulation of operational strategy.

Human Interaction

Requires the ability to provide formal instruction through explanation, demonstration, and/or examination in a structured setting.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude

Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.

Mathematical Aptitude

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or synthesis functions; to deal with several concrete and abstract variables; and to analyze major problems that require complex planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units.

Situational Reasoning

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee, and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetics, disability or sexual orientation.