ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY (DSSLS) - 40008302

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

 **Please note this posting is subject to close at any time**

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The purpose of this position is to provide responsible professional work providing legal services to the County.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney and/or Deputy County Attorney. 

 TYPICAL TASKS:

• Represents Social Services Department in the litigation of child custody, child support, abuse, neglect, and dependency cases.
• May provide legal counsel and representation to other County departments in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, etc. as needed.
• Conducts extensive legal research and prepares legal documents.
• Attends and presents at meetings of the Board of County Commission, and various boards and commissions.
• Renders routine legal advice daily to all officers, departments, and agencies of the County.
• Litigates claims filed against the County and County officials.
• Prepares cases for trial, interviewing witnesses, examining law and evidence.
• Represents the County in trial and appellate litigation.
• Conducts legal training as needed.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, proposed legislation, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises, and other legal documents.
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the County Attorney.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates knowledge of abuse/neglect/dependency, child support, child custody laws.
• Demonstrates or possesses thorough knowledge of administrative processes, general case, statutory, and common laws.
• Must demonstrate or possess thorough knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures.
• Knowledge and experience in litigation and local government law.
• Demonstrated ability to express conclusions and arguments effectively and logically both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze facts and evidence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, court officials, members of the bar and the public.
• Must possess great interpersonal skills, work effectively in stressful environments, able to easily relate and adjust to a variety of situations and personalities, and to effectively communicate with staff at all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

•   Juris Doctorate Degree.
•          Six months to two years’ experience in the practice of law, some of which is in local government work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Requires the ability to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer