Assistant County Attorney

JOB SUMMARY:

Candidates applying for this role may be considered for the following levels: Assistant County Attorney, Sr. Assistant County Attorney, or Deputy County Attorney. The level of consideration will be based upon skills and experience, with Senior and/or Deputy Levels based upon prior County/government experience.

Position performs executive and professional level work as legal advisor to County Administration and Board of Commissioners, County staff and various boards and commissions of the County. This position requires a licensed attorney who can provide legal assistance and solid legal advice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Renders oral and written legal opinions to the Board of Commissioners, County Administration, and Department Directors and other County staff as requested.
• Prepares court papers, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, deeds, leases, and other legal documents.
• Prepares and approves proposed ordinances for consideration by the County Administration and Board of Commissioners.
• Reviews the legality and/or sufficiency of contracts, bonds, bids, leases, insurance, and claims.
• May attend meetings of the County Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, and various committees and boards as required by supervisors and may render legal advice on matters on the agenda.
• Represents the County in lawsuits and administrative hearings. Prepares cases for trial; serves as trial lawyer for the County before Federal, State, and other courts.
• Serves the County's interests in various contract negotiations.
• Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authority in the preparation of opinions and briefs.
• Analyzes legislation including proposed state and federal legislation affecting the County.
• Answers communications from the public relative to county ordinances and legal matters affecting the County.
• Investigates complaints and claims by or against the County; recommends action and takes such action as is necessary.
• Organizes, interprets, and applies legal principles and knowledge to legal problems.
• Comprehends and makes inferences from written material to provide legal representation and advice.
• Analyzes narrative and statistical data to make recommendations regarding legal issues affecting the County.
• Contributes to the enforcement of department policies and procedures, and the maintenance of proper records and reference materials.
• Assists with ensuring departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established procedures; conducts training and participates in planning meetings; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Performs all related work as assigned and/or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school required.
• Experience practicing law preferably for a public agency or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides similar knowledge, skills and abilities is helpful but not required. Senior and/or Deputy Attorney will require ten (10) or more years of experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must be a member of the Georgia State Bar in good standing and obtain a minimum of twelve (12) hours of accredited continuing education annually.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of county ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws in all areas applicable to local government, including employment, labor relations, wages and hours, taxes, workers' compensation, real estate law, torts and litigation, contracts, and public bonds.
• Skill in providing legal services and advice.
• Skill in maintaining records and files.
• Skill in operating a computer and conducting online research.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours.

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.