ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY (DSSLS) - 40008302

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

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

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. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.