Deputy County Attorney

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class assists the County Attorney or Departmental Attorney in giving legal advice to assigned county departments and studying problems and cases affecting a particular county department. Work involves the preparation of cases, including pending administrative hearings, trials before courts, and arguments in appellate courts.  Employees answer questions concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, policies, and ordinances.  Work is performed independently under the general supervision and direction of the County Attorney and is reviewed for soundness of approach and argument in the application of legal principles, and for effectiveness of results.

Examples of Duties:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks

•Draft and review complex legal documents including ordinances, policies, contracts, interlocal agreements, and resolutions.
•Represent the County in litigation, administrative proceedings, and negotiations.
•Ensure legal compliance with federal and state laws, including the North Carolina General Statutes including but not limited to Chapters 153A, 159, 160D, 122C, and 7B, public records and open meetings laws, and other applicable regulations.
•Handle all legal work for the assigned County Departments, which may involve regular courtroom responsibilities, providing timely responses for legal advice, submitting legal memoranda for departmental guidance, and assisting directors and staff for presentations to the Board of Commissioners.
•Advises administrative officials having legal problems on policy questions and operating problems.
•Assist the County Attorney by executing delegated assignments dealing with legal implications confronting the county agency or department.
•Performs legal research, drafts pleadings, and organizes caseload.
•Make court appearances and legal arguments in trial and appellate courts, both state and federal.
•Provide legal advice to county agencies, officials, and employees.
•Perform legal duties as assigned and requested by the County Attorney.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•Considerable knowledge of general caselaw, statutory, and common law affecting county operations.
•Considerable knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
•Considerable knowledge of the organizational structure of the county government and local government finance.
•Ability to interpret and apply laws and court decisions.
•Proficient in drafting contracts, articulating compliance with state and federal laws impacting procurements, bids for construction and services, and application of county ordinances.
•Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written form.
 

Typical Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school with completion and admission to the Bar with three (3) years of experience in the practice of civil law and litigation.  

Special Requirements

License to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of civil law and litigation.