County Attorney

Alexander County Government; North Carolina; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander County Government seeks a seasoned County Attorney to serve as chief legal counselor to the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, and county offices. You will lead litigation strategy, render opinions, draft ordinances, and advise on personnel actions.

The role requires NC bar license, graduation from an accredited law school, and significant local government experience, with strong writing and oral advocacy and the ability to coordinate with diverse county stakeholders and

Qualifications

• Strong legal writing and research skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication with diverse audiences.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear guidance.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage teams and projects.
• Experience in public/government law recommended.

Responsibilities

• Directs and participates in litigation affecting the County, including lawsuits by or against the County and proceedings before judicial bodies.
• Attends Board of County Commissioners meetings, including closed sessions.
• Renders legal advice on requests and reviews documents for propriety.
• Advises the Human Resources Director and County Manager on disciplinary actions.
• Directs preparation of ordinances and other legislation affecting the County.
• Responds to inquiries and prepares opinions on complex powers and duties of county boards and commissions.
• Maintains current knowledge of state/federal law applicable to counties.
• Manages contracts to secure outside counsel and coordinates with them as needed.
• Assists outside counsel engaged by insurance or other entities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral communication

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Performs professional legal work in providing legal counsel to the Board of County Commissioners, Board staff, and representing the County in legal matters. An employee in this class is the chief legal counselor for the County and legal advisor to the County Commissioners, County Manager, and County offices, departments, and boards. Duties include answering legal inquiries, preparing legal documents, rendering legal opinions concerning all areas of county government, and representing the County in litigation. Work is performed under the general supervision and direction of the County Manager.

• Directs and participates in litigation affecting the County, including lawsuits by or against the County, suits affecting the County in its authority under various code provisions, and proceedings before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
• Attends meetings of the Board of County Commissioners including closed sessions.
• Renders legal advice upon request and reviews the legal propriety of documents under consideration by the Board of Commissioners or County administrative officials.
• Advises the Human Resources Director and County Manager on all disciplinary suspensions and termination decisions.
• Directs the preparation of ordinances and prepares other legislation affecting the County.
• Answers legal inquiries from County officials; prepares legal opinions on the more complex matters concerning the powers and duties of various boards and commissions.
• Maintains current knowledge of changes in state and federal legislation and case law as it applies to counties.
• Manages contracts to secure outside counsel and recommends use of outside counsel as appropriate.
• Assists outside counsel assigned by insurance companies, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Considerable knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and Federal Regulations.
• Thorough knowledge and principles of administrative and constitutional law.
• Thorough knowledge of the legal principles, precedents, and practices, particularly as they relate to County government.
• Thorough knowledge of legal research and investigation methodology, judicial procedure, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to deal effectively with officials, the courts, and the public.
• Considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of governmental law.
• Thorough knowledge of County government organization, practices, and structure.
• Skill in legal writing.
• Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and interpret laws and regulations affecting the County.
• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing.

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and extensive experience as a practicing attorney, including some experience in a local government.
• Possession of a license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
• Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.