County Attorney

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

The County Attorney is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners pursuant to North Carolina General Statute §153A-114. The position works under the general administrative direction of the County Manager.

Provides professional legal services to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, and all County departments and officials. Work includes advising on legal matters, drafting and reviewing ordinances and contracts, representing the County in legal proceedings, and providing legal guidance on policy, regulatory, and operational issues affecting County government. Responsibilities include reviewing legislation, preparing legal opinions, participating in policy development, directing internal litigation matters, advising the County in quasi-judicial matters, conducting legal research, managing special projects, and performing related work as assigned.

The County Attorney serves as chief legal advisor to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, and County departments. Legal services for County departments and officials are generally coordinated through the County Manager to ensure consistent administration of County policy and operations.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as legal counsel to the County Manager, Board of Commissioners, County boards and committees, and County departments.
• Serves as legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners while operating administratively under the direction of the County Manager
• Advises County leadership on legal matters including policy development, investigative issues, interpretation of laws and regulations, and the drafting and revision of ordinances and resolutions.
• Assists County departments in interpreting and complying with local, state, and federal statutes, regulations, and administrative rules.
• Conducts legal research and analysis on complex issues and prepares written legal opinions and recommendations.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, interlocal agreements, memoranda of understanding, easements, leases, and other legal documents on behalf of the County.
• Represents the County in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, and other legal matters, including preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, negotiating settlements, and participating in hearings or trials as appropriate.
• Oversees and coordinates litigation matters and works with outside counsel when specialized legal expertise is required.
• Reviews proposed legislation and regulatory changes affecting County government and advises leadership on legal and operational implications.
• Advises County leadership on legal risk management, liability exposure, and regulatory compliance.
• Assists in resolving complex or sensitive matters involving the public, businesses, special interest groups, other governmental entities, and elected or appointed officials.
• Provides legal guidance on matters related to tax administration and other specialized County operations when non-routine legal issues arise.
• Responds to legal inquiries from County officials, staff, and members of the public as appropriate.
• Assists department directors in establishing policies, procedures, and operational practices consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintains current knowledge of the legal responsibilities of County boards, committees, and authorities.
• Develops and manages the legal department annual budget.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• North Carolina General Statutes and case law affecting county government
• Local government law and the powers and duties of counties and boards of commissioners
• Civil litigation practices and procedures
• State and federal court rules and procedures
• Administrative law and regulatory processes
• State and federal appellate procedures
• Legal research methods and legal writing standards
• Legal terminology and documentation practices
• Principles of public administration and governmental operations

Skills in:

• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting ordinances, contracts, legal opinions, and other legal documents
• Interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, and policies
• Negotiating settlements and agreements
• Communicating complex legal concepts clearly in written and oral form
• Preparing and delivering presentations to elected officials and staff
• Managing multiple priorities and responding effectively to time-sensitive legal matters
• Utilizing computers and legal research software

Ability to:

• Analyze complex legal and regulatory issues and develop practical solutions
• Exercise sound professional judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and the public
• Work collaboratively with County leadership to address policy and operational issues
• Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences
• Manage legal matters in a professional, ethical, and organized manner

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the American Association of Law Schools and considerable experience in the practice of law, preferably including experience in local government or public sector law. Must be a member in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires standing and walking and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Complete NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 training within one year of hire.

Maintain a valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

Must respond in accordance with pre-identified emergency response assignment in the event of an emergency declaration by County Emergency Management/Administration.

Must remain in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar.

This is not a hybrid or remote position.

APPLY ONLINE: https://sampsoncountync.applicantpro.com/jobs/ 

SAMPSON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER