Assistant County Solicitor - General Litigation Law

Salary: $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year commensurate with experience.

How To Apply

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. At the time of application, you must submit the following:

• A resume with the application. (A resume may not be submitted for an application.)
• A legal writing sample that demonstrates your legal research and writing skills. (No more than five (5) pages.)
  
  

For applicants who have graduated from law school within the last three years, a law school transcript is also requested, but not required, to be considered for an interview. Further instructions on the submission of documents are available in the online application.

Minimum Requirements

• A law degree (J.D. or L.L.B.) from an accredited law school, and an active license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid PA Driver’s License throughout employment.
  
  

This is an entry-level position; applicants who have experience in civil law and government-related litigation are preferred.

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.

Overview

Position Summary:

Duties

• Provides legal counsel and advice to County Departments, including interpreting applicable statutes, laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Completes legal research, including use of resources in use by the Law Department, including Westlaw and Co-Counsel.
• Prepares legal pleadings and provides legal representation on behalf of Allegheny County including active participation in pleading work, discovery, pre-trial practice, trials, and appellate proceedings in state and federal courts for litigation matters.
• Represents Allegheny County’s interests in legal proceedings initiated by and on behalf of current/former inmates at the Allegheny County Jail.
• Maintains electronic-only case files using the Law Department’s case management system, HighQ.
• Represents Allegheny County in administrative matters before various state and federal agencies.
• Drafts, reviews, edits and finalizes legal agreements such as contracts, leases, memorandums of understanding, and license agreements for assigned county departments.
• Responds to Right to Know requests.
• Drafts Solicitor opinion letters and ordinances.
• Reviews and approves through DocuSign various legal agreements for assigned county departments.
• Performs other legal work as required or requested.
  
  

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Civil rights law, immunity law, prisoner-related law, tort law, administrative law, employment law, election law, contract law, Right to Know law, and other civil law.
• Applicable rules of court, civil procedure, appellate procedure, rules of evidence, the Allegheny County Administrative Code and rules regarding professional responsibility.
• General trial tactics and procedures.
• Judicial and administrative procedures.
  
  

Skill In

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Electronic technology (i.e., Teams, Zoom, DocuSign, etc.)
• Office Case Management programs such as HighQ.
• Legal Research platforms (i.e., WestLaw, Lexis/Nexis, and Co-Counsel).
  
  

Ability To

• Effectively interact with County personnel to defend Allegheny County in legal matters; interacts with County personnel, Law Department colleagues, opposing counsel and litigants to resolve disputes and negotiate agreements.
• Write in an effective and cogent manner.
• Meet deadlines for assigned work and deadlines for the submission of legal documents to courts, boards and agencies.
• Work independently and under the supervision of other lawyers.
• Review and analyze proposed statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Develop effective working relationships with Law Department colleagues, county employees, court employees, attorneys and other parties with whom regular contact occurs.
• Abide by all applicable codes of ethics and professional responsibilities.
• Travel to various locations throughout the county as required by the job duties of the position and occasional travel out-of-county or out-of-state to attend trainings or conferences.
  
  

Allegheny County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D

Apply Online