Assistant Corporation Counsel

Thank you for your interest in joining Door County Government!

Door County is proud to be a premier place to live, work, and visit . We serve nearly 30,000 year-round residents and a vibrant seasonal population by providing essential services that support and protect the people, economy, and environment of the beautiful Door Peninsula.

Within the County organization, Corporation Counsel provides professional, ethical legal services that support Door County's operational and policy goals. Serving as the County's in-house attorney, the office advises the County Board of Supervisors, committees, commissions, agencies, and county officers, and also serves as Parliamentarian. Corporation Counsel represents the County in all civil legal matters, including the prosecution and defense of actions involving county interests.

To continue this important work, we are seeking a candidate who will perform the responsibilities outlined in the job summary and contribute to our efforts in serving the community.

Job Summary

This position supports the County's legal functions by providing professional legal services and representation under the direction of the Corporation Counsel. The role involves legal research, drafting, litigation, and policy interpretation across a broad spectrum of county matters. The Assistant Corporation Counsel works with County officials and departments to ensure legal compliance, risk mitigation, and effective governance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel are set forth in Wisconsin Statute § 59.42, and include, but are not limited to:

1. Provide legal counsel and representation in civil matters for the County, its officials, departments, and boards, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
2. Represent the Department of Health and Human Services in guardianship, protective placements, and mental health or substance-related commitment proceedings under Chapters 51, 54, and 55, Wis. Stats.
3. Represent the County in labor and employment matters, including arbitration, disciplinary actions, and administrative hearings before agencies such as the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, Worker's Compensation Division, and Equal Rights Division.
4. Draft and review legal documents including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, requests for proposals, and open records responses.
5. Provide legal support on public works projects and procurement, ensuring statutory compliance and risk mitigation.
6. Advise County departments on public record requests, confidentiality laws, and related privacy issues.
7. Support enforcement of County ordinances and participate in civil code enforcement actions as needed.
8. Provide backup legal support to the Child Support Agency, including courtroom representation and document preparation.
9. Assist in debt collection activities, including tax refund intercepts, and provide related legal advice to departments.
10. Attend County committee and board meetings as needed and conduct training for department personnel on legal matters.
11. Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and legal issues affecting County operations, advising the Corporation Counsel and departments as necessary.
12. Oversee and direct legal support staff under the direction of the Corporation Counsel.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Legal Analysis: Conducts research, evaluates statutes, administrative code, and case law, and synthesizes findings into actionable legal guidance and documents.
• Written Communication: Drafts clear, concise, and legally sound documents, including briefs, contracts, and policy language.
• Oral Communication: Explains legal issues in plain language and advises officials with clarity and authority.
• Litigation & Advocacy: Effectively represents the County in court and administrative forums, managing cases from initiation through resolution. Possesses strong courtroom and negotiation skills.
• Ethics & Integrity: Maintains strict confidentiality when appropriate and upholds high standards of legal ethics in all professional duties.
• Collaboration: Builds trust and effective relationships with County leadership, staff, elected officials, and public.
• Time Management: Manages multiple complex assignments simultaneously under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Utilizes word processing, legal research platforms, and other software effectively in support of legal work.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
• Eligible to practice in the Eastern and Western District Courts of Wisconsin.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional legal experience.
• Knowledge of civil procedures and rules of evidence.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Experience in public sector legal practice.
• Litigation experience in court and administrative hearings.
• Familiarity with municipal law, real estate law, public records law, public sector labor/employment law, land use and planning, and guardianship proceedings.
• Familiarity with parliamentary procedure and alternative dispute resolution methods.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment, involving extended periods at a desk using a computer and telephone. Occasional travel for court appearances, meetings, or trainings may be required. Tasks may require light lifting of materials up to 10 pounds. Must be able to communicate effectively and remain composed during high-pressure or adversarial interactions. Work hours may occasionally extend into evenings or weekends based on urgent legal matters or public meeting schedules.

Emergency Response Statement

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Questions about the position or hiring process?

Contact Door County Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io
(Mon-Thurs 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)

In compliance with federal and state laws, if you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or selection process due to a disability, please notify Human Resources.

What to Expect:

Application Timeline

• Position is open until filled - apply today.
• Application materials may be reviewed as they are received.

Selection Process

Applicants may be evaluated through one or more of the following:

• Review of application materials
• Structured interview(s)
• Skills tests, assessments, or work samples
• Other job-related evaluation methods as applicable to the position

Pre-Employment Requirements

Final candidate(s) may be subject to:

• Reference check(s)
• Background check
• Job-related pre-employment screening, license and credential verification

Door County is committed to a fair, consistent, and job-related hiring process.


Thank you for your interest in this position with Door County. We look forward to reviewing your application.