Assistant County Counselor I

Overview

Johnson County is the most populous county in Kansas, serving more than 620,000 residents across 19 cities and unincorporated areas in the heart of the Kansas City metropolitan region. The County is a nationally recognized leader in local government excellence, consistently earning AAA bond ratings and "best places to live" recognition. The Office of the County Counselor provides full-service legal representation to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the County Manager, and all County departments, agencies, boards, and commissions.

Job Description

This is an exceptional practice-ready opportunity for a highly motivated third-year law student or recent graduate who is committed to public service and eager to develop sophisticated litigation skills in a fast-paced, high-stakes government law environment. The Assistant County Counselor will serve as primary hearing counsel in commercial and business valuation matters before the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA), while concurrently gaining substantive co-counsel experience in civil litigation across the Johnson County District Court, Kansas Court of Appeals, and the Kansas Supreme Court.

Johnson County's Legal Department is a 15-member team organized across six practice divisions. The Records & Taxation Division handles one of the highest-volume administrative hearing dockets in the state, representing the County in complex commercial property valuation appeals, business personal property disputes, and tax exemption challenges. The successful candidate will be embedded in an active litigation culture, working directly alongside experienced County attorneys from day one. This position will remain open until filled.

Applicants should submit the following materials as part of their application: a cover letter addressing their interest in public law practice and this specific role; a current résumé or curriculum vitae; and a 5-10 page writing sample (legal memorandum or brief preferred).

Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) - Administrative Hearing Practice

• Serve as primary hearing counsel representing Johnson County in commercial and business personal property valuation appeals before the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA)
• Manage a full administrative hearing docket from initial case intake through final order, including pleadings, discovery, prehearing conferences, evidentiary hearings, and post-hearing briefing
• Conduct, direct, and cross-examination of appraisal and valuation experts in contested commercial property matters
• Develop and deliver legal arguments on Kansas ad valorem tax law, including K.S.A. 79-501 et seq., uniform and equal valuation standards, and income-approach methodology for commercial properties
• Coordinate with the Johnson County Appraiser's Office to review appraisal records, prepare exhibits, and develop litigation strategy
• Research and draft prehearing statements, motions in limine, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and appeals from BOTA orders

Civil Litigation - Co-Counsel Experience

• Serve as active co-counsel alongside senior County attorneys on civil litigation matters pending before the Johnson County District Court, Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court
• Provide civil legal representation of the Johnson County Appraiser's Office in contested valuation and assessment matters, including defending appraisal methodology, statutory compliance, and uniform and equal treatment challenges in civil proceedings
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings under the supervision of experienced County Counselors
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on a broad range of county government law issues, including constitutional claims, employment matters, land use, contracts, and municipal finance
• Participate in depositions, hearings, and oral arguments, with increasing independent responsibility commensurate with demonstrated skill and experience

Departmental & Professional Development

• Engage with departmental KPI tracking, matter management systems, and legal project planning
• Participate in internal lessons-learned reviews, peer review sessions, and professional development programming
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and public service ethics in all work

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school at the third-year (3L) level, or J.D. awarded no earlier than December 2024
• Strong academic record demonstrating analytical and writing excellence
• Eligible for admission to the Kansas Bar upon graduation, or currently admitted to the Kansas Bar
• Demonstrated interest in litigation, administrative law, or government/public sector practice
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills; ability to produce clear, concise, and persuasive work product under deadline
• Commitment to public service and the values of transparent, accountable county government

Preferred

• Prior law clerk, extern, or internship experience in a government law office, county/municipal attorney's office, or litigation practice
• Coursework or practical experience in administrative law, evidence, tax law, or property law
• Familiarity with Kansas statutes governing ad valorem taxation, county government powers, or civil procedure
• Moot court, mock trial, law review, or other advocacy experience
• Experience with legal research platforms (Westlaw, Lexis) and standard productivity software