SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY (GLS) - 40008401

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs difficult professional work in the rendering of legal services to the County; does related work as required.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney.  May supervise assistant county attorneys, paralegals and clerical personnel.

TYPICAL TASKS:

• Provides legal counsel and representation to all County departments in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, etc.;
• Attends and presents at boards and commissions’ meetings, and renders legal advice on both procedures and substance of cases;
• Provides legal training to clients in County departments and boards and commissions
• Renders routine legal advice on a daily basis to all officers, departments and agencies of the County;
• Processes and litigates claims against the County;
• Prepares cases for trial, interviews witnesses, and examines law and evidence;
• Represents the County in trial and appellate litigation and handles complex issues of law as necessary;
• In collaboration with the County Attorney, plans legal strategy in litigation matters of a unique or complex nature;
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, proposed legislation, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises, and other legal documents;
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents;
• Advises and/or supervises assistant county attorneys, paralegals and clerical/administrative personnel;
• Conducts title searches, certifies titles and handles closings;
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the County Attorney;
• When directed, assumes the responsibilities of the County Attorney in his/her absence;
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of municipal law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative process and real property;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research;
• Thorough knowledge of legal office procedures and practices;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, County officials and the general public;
• Ability to present complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to handle complex trial and appellate litigation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited school of law and seven years of experience in the practice of law.  Experience in public law and six months of supervisory experience is preferred.

PREFERENCE:

Expertise in utilities, transactions, real estate, and/or construction law with extensive experience in litigation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Eligibility 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.