SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY (GLS) - 40008401

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.

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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.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer