County Attorney

Alexander County DSS; Taylorsville (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander County DSS in Taylorsville, NC seeks a Chief Legal Counselor to provide expert legal guidance to the Board of County Commissioners and county offices, overseeing litigation and advising on ordinances and policy. The role requires a JD from an accredited law school, active NC Bar license, and extensive experience in government law; a valid NC driver’s license is required.

The incumbent will coordinate with outside counsel and manage legal staff.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school (JD) and extensive experience as a practicing attorney, including government experience.
• Must hold a license to practice law in North Carolina (NC Bar).
• Possess a valid NC driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Directs and participates in litigation affecting the County, including lawsuits by or against the County, and proceedings before courts/boards.
• Attends Board of County Commissioners meetings, including closed sessions.
• Renders legal advice to County executives and departments; reviews documents for legal propriety.

Skills

Legal writing

Administrative law

Constitutional law

Litigation management

Public speaking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

North Carolina Bar License

Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Job description

Position 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• 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.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

• 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.