The Attorney IV is responsible for providing legal representation to the Chester County Commissioners and county departments by initiating and defending lawsuits as well as proactively providing legal advice and opinions relative to operational matters within the county government.

• Provide advice and legal counsel regarding compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations as well as county policies and procedures.
• Extensive review and drafting of contracts and agreements to identify issues, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and negotiate terms.
• Review and draft county pleadings, policies, resolutions, and ordinances as needed.
• Conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues for all county departments, including, but not limited to, municipal laws and federal and state statutes/laws/regulations.
• Serve as a resource for management/departments with respect to legal matters and policy, statutory, and regulatory interpretation.
• Identify laws that protect information and draft responses to subpoenas and Right-to-Know Law requests and appeals.
• Assess departmental policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance and ensure Chester County Employee Handbook compliance.
• Provide legal representation, when necessary, in administrative proceedings, Magisterial District, Common Pleas, Pennsylvania Appellate, and Federal courts.
• Initiate and defend the county in lawsuits and monitor ongoing litigation. 
• Other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required by the Solicitor’s Office.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in PA and PA bar admission good standing.
• Two years of job-related experience.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures, civil rights statutes, and municipal law.
• Ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Accurate and detail oriented with strong professional ethics and trial skills.
• Twelve hours of continuing legal education is required annually.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

 
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Five years of related legal experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with guidelines, regulations, statutes, and case law. 
• Bar admission in federal courts.
• Ability to work independently.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Microsoft Office and Outlook skills
• Basic Adobe skills (redacting and organizing PDFs)
• Basic knowledge and skills of Westlaw

 
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. Occasionally, employee will need to drive to and from different locations, reach above shoulders or work with arms above shoulder height; bend at the waist or work bent at the waist; kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat; and climb stairs. On rare occasions, employee will need to lift and carry items.
 
There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.
 
Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 
Other:

• This job requires a significant number of extended hours (research, emergency issues, etc.).
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.