General Counsel - City of Augusta, GA (Augusta)

MGT is pleased to partner with the Augusta-Richmond County Consolidated Government in search of a General Counsel. The consolidated City/County government has an operating budget of approximately $1.4 billion and 2,800 full-time positions across all funds.

As General Counsel, you will lead the Augusta Law Department and guide all legal affairs for a large and complex consolidated. You’ll partner closely with the Mayor, Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, and department leaders to advance priorities, manage risk, and uphold public trust.

The Community

Best known as the home of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, Augusta is the third largest municipality in Georgia with a population of 201,737. It is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which encompasses seven counties and has a gross population of nearly 630,000. Augusta sits on the Georgia/South Carolina border and is bounded by the Savannah River. The city is two hours east of Atlanta on Interstate 20 and is served by Augusta Regional Airport (AGS).

Multiple higher education institutions also call the city home, including Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, and the historically Black (HBCU) Paine College. The city boasts ten historic districts, including the Downtown Historic District. Residents and visitors can also enjoy outdoor recreation at Augusta Riverwalk, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta Canal Historic Trail, and numerous parks and trails in the area.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead day to day operations of the Law Department and cultivate a high performance, service oriented culture.
• Provide proactive legal counsel and representation to the Mayor/Commission, County Administrator, and boards/authorities.
• Attend public meetings to deliver real time guidance on agenda items, parliamentary issues, and compliance.
• Represent officers and employees in their official capacities in court and administrative proceedings.
• Manage budgets, outside counsel, and risk mitigation strategies aligned with organizational priorities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong grasp of municipal government, including an understanding of and respect for their role and the roles of the Board of Commissioners and County Administrator as outlined in the county charter. They should be confident, assertive, and judicious and able to earn credibility with elected officials, employees, and the public. Additionally, they will demonstrate good judgment, critical thinking, and a focus on maintaining a modern, responsive law department.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate or Doctor of Laws degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of legal experience, at least four (4) years of which was in local government.
• Active member of State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals, and Georgia Supreme Court, or able to be licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.
• Substantial litigation experience and demonstrated expertise in municipal law.
• Budget management and supervisory experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Augusta’s hiring range for this position is $215,000 -$230,000 annually. The salary offer is dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Additionally, Augusta offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits and wellness program including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); paid leave benefits); paid family leave; wellness facilities and other ancillary benefits; and Georgia Municipal Employee Benefits System (GMEBS), a 401(a) Defined Benefit Pension. To learn more about benefits offered, visit: Augusta Benefits & Employee Wellness. Relocation assistance is available.

The Augusta City/County government is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace.