LEAD STAFF ATTORNEY (COUNTY ATTORNEY)

The purpose of this position is to provide research, legal counsel, and advice to Henry County Government leadership, Board of Commissioners, and/or various court judges.

• Conducts legal research: identifies and investigates the facts of legal matters; reviews legal opinions and various legal publications for research purposes; determines laws applicable to issues before court; drafts legal documents/memoranda on court cases, writs, and specific points of law; and briefs judge on issues in pending cases.
• Provides legal advice: reviews case files; assesses nature of the legal issue presented; researches relevant state and federal law; makes recommendations regarding legal solutions and precedents; discusses claims with judge; drafts and submits orders, motions, and summaries to the judge for review and action; and provides information regarding updated laws and regulations as needed.
• Reviews statistical data: evaluates and analyzes orders and motions; and monitors orders and motions for compliance with judicial rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Evaluates and responds to Open Records Act requests: and reviews and evaluates requests for information and action submitted by the media, parties to cases, County personnel, and the general public.
• Serves as a liaison to the general public, litigants, and attorneys: responds to and initiates telephone calls and emails; answers questions and provides information; updates appropriate parties regarding case status, court calendars and other court business; and discusses content of communications with judge as needed.
• Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles and practices relating to Henry County; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions as required.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other County employees, law enforcement, outside attorneys, judicial staff, clients, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Requires a Juris Doctorate, and five (5) years of related experience practicing law in the area of assignment, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in local government is preferred.

Licenses or Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess and maintain licensure from the State Bar of Georgia.

Special Requirements

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local government operations, legal related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to such adverse environmental conditions as violence, disease, or rude/irate clients.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.