SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY - 40008305 (GLS DIVISION)

Durham County Department of Social Services; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 115,102 - 159,979; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government is seeking a qualified attorney to serve as lead counsel in civil litigation for County departments, units, and boards. The role is full-time and exempt, reporting to the County Attorney and Deputy County Attorney.

Requires a Juris Doctor, seven years of civil litigation experience, and admission to practice in North Carolina. The position offers a competitive salary range and opportunities to work on high-stakes legal matters for the County.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Seven years of experience in the practice of law, including substantial civil litigation.
• Admission to practice law in North Carolina required (or eligibility).

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel and representation to County departments in civil litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Attends and presents at boards and commissions’ meetings and renders legal advice.
• Provides legal training to clients in County departments, boards, and commissions.
• Renders daily legal advice to all County officers, departments, and agencies.
• Processes and litigates claims against the County.
• Prepares cases for trial, interviews witnesses, and assesses law and evidence.
• Represents the County in trial and appellate litigation and handles complex issues of law.
• Plans legal strategy in litigation matters of a unique or complex nature.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents.
• Supervises paralegals and clerical staff.
• Conducts title searches and handles closings.
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the County Attorney.

Skills

Local government law

Civil litigation

Legal research

Civil procedure

Oral & written communication

Trial & appellate litigation

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Join Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

DEPARTMENT

Legal

DATE POSTED

May 8, 2026

CLOSING DATE

Until Filled

HIRING RANGE

$115,102 - $159,979

POSITION NUMBER

40008305

JOB TYPE

Full-Time, 37.5 hrs/week, Exempt

This position is subject to close at any time and without prior notification

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position performs complex professional work in the rendering of legal services to the County to include serving as solo or lead counsel in litigation for County departments, units, and boards. Work is performed under general supervision of the County Attorney and Deputy County Attorney.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Provides legal counsel and representation to all County departments in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, etc.
• Attends and presents at boards and commissions’ meetings and render legal advice.
• Provides legal training to clients in County departments, boards, and commissions.
• Renders daily legal advice to all officers, departments and agencies of the County.
• Processes and litigates claims against the County.
• Prepares cases for trial, interviews witnesses, and assesses law and evidence.
• Represents the County in trial and appellate litigation and handles complex issues of law as necessary.
• In collaboration with the County Attorney, plans legal strategy in litigation matters of a unique or complex nature.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, proposed legislation, policies, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises, and other legal documents.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents.
• Advises and/or supervise, paralegals and clerical/administrative personnel.
• Conducts title searches, certify titles and handle closings.
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the County Attorney.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina local government law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process and real property.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research.
• Thorough knowledge of legal office procedures and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina rules of evidence and civil procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with legal department staff, court officials, County officials and the general public.
• Ability to present complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively handle complex trials and appellate litigation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited school of law and seven years of experience in the practice of law, including substantial and recent civil litigation experience. Experience in local government law, Federal litigation, and appellate litigation (State or Federal) is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Admission to practice law in the State of North Carolina. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

TYPICAL TASKS

• Provides legal counsel and representation to all County departments in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, etc.
• Attends and presents at boards and commissions’ meetings and render legal advice.
• Provides legal training to clients in County departments, boards, and commissions.
• Renders daily legal advice to all officers, departments and agencies of the County.
• Processes and litigates claims against the County.
• Prepares cases for trial, interviews witnesses, and assesses law and evidence.
• Represents the County in trial and appellate litigation and handles complex issues of law as necessary.
• In collaboration with the County Attorney, plans legal strategy in litigation matters of a unique or complex nature.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, proposed legislation, policies, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises, and other legal documents.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents.
• Advises and/or supervise, paralegals and clerical/administrative personnel.
• Conducts title searches, certify titles and handle closings.
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the County Attorney.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina local government law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process and real property.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research.
• Thorough knowledge of legal office procedures and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina rules of evidence and civil procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with legal department staff, court officials, County officials and the general public.
• Ability to present complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively handle complex trials and appellate litigation.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.