SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY - 40008305 (GLS DIVISION)

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This position is subject to close at any time and without prior notification

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position performs complex professional work in the rendering of legal services to the County to include serving as solo or lead counsel in litigation for County departments, units, and boards.

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

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 render legal advice.
• Provides legal training to clients in County departments, boards, and commissions.
• Renders daily legal advice to all officers, departments and agencies of the County.
• Processes and litigates claims against the County.
• Prepares cases for trial, interviews witnesses, and assesses 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, policies, contracts, deeds, leases, releases, franchises, and other legal documents.
• Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents.
• Advises and/or supervise, paralegals and clerical/administrative personnel.
• Conducts title searches, certify titles and handle closings.
• Prepares formal legal opinions for the signature of the County Attorney.
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina local government 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.
• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina rules of evidence and civil procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with legal department staff, court officials, County officials and the general public.
• Ability to present complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively handle complex trials and appellate litigation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited school of law and seven years of experience in the practice of law, including substantial and recent civil litigation experience.

Experience in local government law, Federal litigation, and appellate litigation (State or Federal) is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Admission to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record.

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.