Assistant County Attorney

Frederick County Government is seeking an entry‑level Assistant County Attorney I to join our dedicated legal team. In this professional role, you will provide essential legal support to County departments, boards, commissions, and operational staff. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in public sector law while working alongside experienced attorneys. As an Assistant County Attorney I, you will manage a portfolio of routine to moderately complex legal matters under close to moderate supervision. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting legislation and standard legal documents, assisting with litigation preparation, and supporting senior attorneys on more advanced assignments. You will exercise sound professional judgment within established legal frameworks, policies, and precedents, with guidance and review provided by senior legal staff. Supervision is provided by a Senior Assistant County Attorney or the County Attorney’s designee. NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception. Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full‑time benefited Frederick County Government employee. 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays) Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high‑deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Employee Health Center with no or low‑cost primary and urgent care 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan Vesting after 5 years of service Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc. Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program Other employee‑paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year. For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage. RESPONSIBILITIES Provide opinions and advice to Commissions, Boards, and Departments Coordinate and advise on responses to Maryland Public Information Act requests Perform legal research and analysis Draft laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations Attend meetings of County boards, commissions, departments, and agencies Evaluate legal matters and prepare, negotiate, or try cases on behalf of the County, ensuring thorough case analysis, effective representation, and adherence to all applicable laws and procedures Maintain proficiency in substantive areas of law through research and continuing education Respond to citizen inquiries Prepare for litigation at various Court levels Negotiate and mediate disputed claims Perform other related duties as required To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions. The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. QUALIFICATIONS Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school Minimum of 3 years of practicing attorney experience Admission to the Maryland Bar (Licensed Attorney in Maryland) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of statutes, ordinances and state and federal laws and regulations Knowledge of legal research methods, principles, and procedures Knowledge of laws, regulations, and requirements regarding the practice of law, with the ability to abide by them Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, with the ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy and competence in dealing with Judges, attorneys, court personnel and the public Ability to maintain good standing and licensure/authorization to practice law in the State of Maryland Ability to make quick and well‑reasoned case decisions under pressured circumstances Ability to research, interpret, and apply law to facts Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing Ability to organize work and manage time Ability to exercise discretion in working with sensitive information PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR: Governmental or administrative law experience PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination Available for evening and weekend work hours when required for special meetings and programs EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include): An evaluation of training and experience One or more interviews #J-18808-Ljbffr