Senior Assistant County Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a license to practice law in the State of New York.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant legal experience.

EVALUATION OF FOREIGN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: 

Your degree and/or college credit must have been awarded by a regionally accredited college or university or one recognized by the NYS Education Dept. as following acceptable educational practices.  NOTE: If your degree and/or college credit was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency.  You can write to this Department for a list of acceptable companies providing this service; you must pay the required evaluation fee.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves all the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant County Attorney and also involves the added responsibility of supervising other Assistant County Attorneys in the absence of the County Attorney and the Chief Assistant County Attorney. Regular conferences with County Attorney are required to keep abreast of developments and confidential matters otherwise known only to the County Attorney. Assists with the training and mentoring of less experienced Assistant County Attorneys as needed.

Represents the County in legal proceedings, litigation and various administrative hearings. Work is performed in conjunction with and under the supervision of the County Attorney. The incumbent works with the County Attorney in all areas of legal representation for the County. Does related work as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Thorough knowledge of County Law, municipal law, State Finance Law, civil practice and procedure and related rules and regulations;
• Good knowledge of laws pertaining to contracts, real estate transactions, and other aspects of general legal work; Good knowledge of the proceedings of criminal court, family court, administrative tribunals, commissioners' hearings, PERB hearings and other legal proceedings;
• Good working knowledge of parliamentary procedures:
• Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to reason quickly and accurately in stressful situations; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing:
• Ability to efficiently gather facts through interview, research and investigation; Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents;
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: 

• Serves as legal counsel for the County Legislature and department heads in the interest of the County;
• Writes and reviews contracts for departments of the County proposed with outside individuals or organizations;
• Appears on behalf of the County Attorney in proceedings in Family Court, County Court, Supreme Court, and Appellate Court. May also appear or assist in State and Federal Court and Administrative proceedings:
• Prepares paperwork for all assigned cases as necessary; Interviews and prepares potential witnesses:
• Research legal issues that arise related to County municipal activities and governance and advises the County Legislature as appropriate.
• May be involved in any matter of the County that requires legal analysis and judgment;
• May be assigned to handle specific aspects of the Office of the County Attorney such as Family Court proceedings or the legal work of particular departments;
• May assist or participate in County Employee or labor related matters:
• Appears in court and performs other functions at the discretion of or in the absence of the County Attorney and the Chief Assistant County Attorney;
• Assists with the supervision, training and mentoring of the County Attorney's support staff, which may include Assistant County Attorneys and interns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.