Description:

Job Summary:
Major Function: Responsible professional and administrative work in providing legal advice, and representation to the County. Under the direction of the County Attorney, advises elected, appointed, executive and senior management personnel on legal matters including various complex legal matters. Duties include representing the County in civil lawsuits, preparing and presenting cases in appellate courts, and supervising paraprofessional and secretarial employees. Work is performed under the general direction of the County Attorney and is reviewed through conferences, analysis of records, and by results achieved.

Essential Job Functions:
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills Needed to Perform the Essential Job Functions:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of State and Federal statutory and State and Federal constitutional law and their application to County operations and ordinances.
Extensive knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence and methods of legal research.
Thorough knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities.

Abilities:

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to negotiate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County elected officials, other elected officials, administrative officials, employees of the County, court officials, attorneys and general public.
Ability to effectively manage several assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively.
Ability to effectively supervise others.
Ability to effectively manage and resolve conflict while mitigating liability and risk to the County.
Ability to type and use Microsoft Office Suite is essential.

Essential Job Function:

Advises department heads and employees on legal questions.
Prepares legal opinions and memoranda, gathers facts, checks investigation reports, reviews files and answers correspondence.
Prepares ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, legal opinions and memoranda as assigned by the County Attorney.
Negotiates terms and conditions of agreements and drafts written contracts.
Participates in preparation of assigned State and Federal cases for trial; takes depositions, prepares briefs and pleadings, and supervise necessary investigations.
Tries cases and appeals adverse judgements to higher court when authorized by the County Commission
Attends County Commission and board meetings as assigned.
Drafts and presents legislative bills to local delegation.
Explains and interprets ordinances and the status of various cases to the general public.
Evaluates settlement opportunities in litigation.
Assigns, directs, motivates and supervises subordinate paraprofessional and clerical staff in a manner conducive to high performance and morale.
Participates in continuing legal education programs and seminars to improve skills and broaden the attorney's experience and ability.
Maintains effective working relationships.
Studies and keeps abreast of court decisions, administrative decisions, legislation and problems pertaining to local government laws and related matters.
Meets with County staff, citizens and private attorneys to achieve conflict resolution.
May be required to work overtime or alternative hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Performs related work as requested or assigned.

Essential Physical Skills: Good vision and hearing with or without correction. Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely. Use of both hands and fingers with dexterity. Occasional walking and standing is required.

Environmental Condition Requirements: Constant work inside the office in a sedentary posture. Occasional outdoor work at remote offices and outdoor work sites when visiting County departments.

Work Hazards: Possible vision or hand/arm dysfunction due to heavy computer work.

Safety Equipment Used or Needed: None

Qualifications:
Education: