Assistant County Attorney

General Statement or Primary Purpose Provides legal counsel and representation to County departments and boards regarding federal, state and local laws. May be assigned to be primary attorney for specific County departments, and such assignments are subject to change in the discretion of the County Attorney. Even if assigned to be primary attorney for specific County departments, the County Attorney may still assign work or issues from other departments to be performed by Assistant County Attorney. Represents the County in various litigation, including collection matters and code enforcement; negotiates agreements and settlements; conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions; drafts ordinances; advises department officials on legal responsibilities and liabilities; reviews contracts; attends various County board meetings; monitors legislative activity, conducts training and handles other legal matters as assigned. Reports to the County Attorney. Duties and Responsibilities or Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Provides legal counsel, advice and representation to County departments as assigned. Representation includes attendance at all meetings of the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Board of Equalization and Review, and Emergency Medical Services Oversight Board, as well as other meetings as assigned. Provides legal advice and representation in matters involving Environmental Health, including septic, food and lodging, violations of any ordinance enforced by the Planning Department, and Building Code enforcement and condemnation matters enforced by the Inspections Department, as well as any other type of violation enforced by a County department. Provides legal advice and representation in collection matters referred from Finance, and other departments as needed. Represents the County and various County Departments in court and before various regulatory agencies and boards, and the state and federal governments; and assists in representation of the County in appellate litigation and in defense of lawsuits against the County. Representation also includes code enforcement and litigation. Represents County personnel subpoenaed in civil and criminal matters when records of County or information known to the County is being sought; assesses sufficiency of subpoenas or court orders and interprets confidentiality statutes, advising personnel as required; prepares and presents motions to quash, as necessary. Identifies training and educational needs of County departments and is proactive in developing and presenting training and educational seminars as needed. Attends seminars, conferences, classes, etc., as appropriate, to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in field of law; reviews professional journals and otherwise maintains contacts with legal professionals to facilitate exchange of information. Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions regarding federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Drafts and reviews contracts, ordinances, resolutions, interlocal agreements, local legislation and other legal documents as requested and as needed. Advises department officials on legal responsibilities and liabilities. ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS Provides back-up for the County Attorney. Performs other legal work as assigned by the County Attorney. Minimum Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited school of law. Special Requirements Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina. Part Time Status will be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr