Assistant County Attorney

Legal Services Attorney

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

To provide a broad range of legal services directed at promoting the mission, vision, core values and public service objectives of Gaston County.

Examples of duties include:

• Represent the Department of Social Services in district court proceedings involving abuse, neglect, dependency, termination of parental rights, adult protective services, guardianship matters, child support enforcement, and related appeals.
• Prepare and review pleadings, motions, petitions, orders, contracts, resolutions, ordinances, legal notices, deeds, easements, and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions regarding federal, state, and local laws affecting County operations and Social Services programs.
• Advise County departments, boards, and officials regarding legal compliance, risk management, policy implementation, and operational matters.
• Review and respond to subpoenas and assist departments with public records requests.
• Prepare County staff for hearings and legal proceedings by reviewing evidence, coordinating witnesses, and providing legal guidance.
• Negotiate settlements and resolve disputes when appropriate.
• Provide legal education and training to County officials and employees.
• Attend professional meetings and continuing legal education programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the County Attorney.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law with a Juris Doctorate degree.
• Two (2) years of experience practicing law. Must be currently licensed to practice law in North Carolina.
• Valid Driver's license.
• Knowledge of legal principles, precedents, practices, and procedures applicable to local government and assigned areas of practice, including child welfare, child support, adult protective services, and related areas of law.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence, and courtroom practices.
• Ability to conduct legal research, analyze facts and evidence, and apply legal principles to complex legal matters.
• Skill in preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, orders, contracts, legal opinions, ordinances, and resolutions.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and persuasively before courts, boards, and administrative bodies.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, employees, court personnel, attorneys, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment. In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans including Pension and 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Discounted YMCA Membership

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits. To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Employee Benefits Guide. Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.