Associate Attorney

Salary Range: $83,960 - $125,939 This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career The success of Mecklenburg County rests on strong, competent talent at all levels of the organization. The County Manager's Office is responsible for executing the policy decisions of the Board of County Commissioners and leading the County organization by overseeing the administration of County departments. If you enjoy working with the public and are looking for a career where your work is important to the community, come be a part of Mecklenburg County Government and help us provide a community of pride and choice for people to live, learn, work, and recreate.

POSITION SUMMARY Provide legal advice and representation to the Department of Social Services, Office of Youth and Family Services (YFS). This position, under direct supervision, is responsible for basic formal and informal legal opinions and drafts a variety of legal documents with varying degrees of complexity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Meet with staff to discuss case history; assess the strengths and weakness
• Review information and provide feedback as appropriate
• Provide legal guidance and direction as necessary; determine what information constitutes as admissible evidence
• Prepare legal pleadings and other trial documents
• Determine what witnesses are needed for court and issue appropriate subpoenas
• Review court documents and recommend revisions as appropriate
• Represent department in all phases of the court proceedings, in mediations and on appellate matters
• Advocate on behalf of the department applying the known facts and rules of evidence to obtain a favorable outcome in the case
• Complete and submit all court orders within the requisite time frame
• Communicate with the clerk of the court, staff and other attorneys regarding the scheduling of cases
• Refer more complex issues through chain of command to more senior attorney up to department director
• Provides legal guidance and opinions to the YFS agency
• Provides training to agency staff on child abuse and neglect laws and process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: No experience required
Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.); graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in North Carolina
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: No

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
• Must obtain and maintain a Mecklenburg County Operator's Permit

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of abuse and neglect law, process and procedures
• Litigation skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of
• Rules of evidence, civil procedures, and appellate procedures
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations
• General rules of court
• Criminal law principles
• Research methods
• Current case law and court decisions
• Mediation techniques
• Applicable substantive area of law
• Working knowledge of subject matter

Skills
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate
• Talking to others to convey information effectively
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

Abilities
• Building Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Building Trust: Interacting with others in way that instills confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
• Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience
• Negotiation: Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties

COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


DISCLAIMER STATEMENT This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.