Staff Attorney*

Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties. This position does not supervise.  Does related work as required. 

Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.  A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Ensures County compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; researches relevant case law, statutes and regulations pertinent to administrative and operational functions including open government law, conflicts of interest, torts, contracts, employment, constitutional, and/or election laws.

Prepares interpretations and advises County departments, County management, elected officials and/or advisory boards and commissions on legal issues.  Areas may include child support, land use and zoning, emergency management, information technology, personnel/labor, and any other area of county government operations.

Exercises independent judgment in the evaluation of legal theories and the application to specific fact situations in a given case.

Drafts accurate and timely legal documents including, but not limited to appeals, affidavits, motions, proposed orders, petitions and other supporting legal documents.

Provides verbal and/or written responses to inquiries by federal, state and local officials regarding agency policies, practices and issues.

Recommends actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; receives and responds to difficult and sensitive department or community concerns and complaints.  

Participates in court ordered mediations; reviews the progress of and assists outside counsel.

Defends the County in all judicial, administrative, and legislative proceedings, as necessary, for the protection or enforcement of the rights of the County government, employees, and elected officials, drafts briefs and motions, assists with case preparation, engages in oral arguments and assists with case trials.

Researches and reviews public records requests for compliance and responsiveness.

Drafts, reviews, revises, and interprets contracts, county policies, interlocal agreements, grant agreements, memoranda of understanding and legally binding agreements.

Assists the County Attorney with drafting resolutions, ordinances, and agenda items as requested; may be assigned to provide legal advice at public meetings of the Board of County Commissioners, or advisory boards and commissions.

Adheres to Orange County’s safety rules and regulations.

Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
  
Performs other tasks, including some administrative tasks, as needed.

FULL PERFORMANCE OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal statutes and legal principles, precedents and practices, and their application to assigned functions. 

Thorough knowledge of County organization, departments and functions, and policies and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence. 

Thorough knowledge of open meeting and public records laws. 

Demonstrated experience in providing legal guidance regarding the development of policies, manuals, documents and/or standard operating procedures.

Demonstrated experience in advising clients on compliance with Federal regulations and laws.

Demonstrated experience in reviewing contracts and/or cooperative agreements.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, negotiation and meeting facilitation.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

Skill in performing legal research and investigations.

Skill at prioritizing work activities and multi-tasking while under pressure.

Skill in gathering and analyzing complex information.  

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.

Ability to analyze the legal aspects of governmental problems and to provide sound advice and assistance to officials.

Ability to research and analyze facts, evidence and legal instruments and to present facts, law and arguments clearly, logically and persuasively in oral or written form.

Ability to read, interpret and apply constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, court decisions and other precedents. 

Ability to draft complex legal documents and correspondence.

Ability to organize, consolidate and evaluate information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely; ability to prioritize and respond to demands in a prompt and effective manner.

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with County management and staff, elected officials, stakeholders and the general public.

Ability to work collaboratively and with minimal administrative support.

Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university and an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree or equivalent AND three (3) years of experience in the practice of law with proven experience with litigation, mediation, and related trial court experience or an equivalent level of experience. 

• This position will serve as lead attorney in child support enforcement cases and applicants should have experience in child support legal services, or similar litigation experience as an assistant district attorney, or other similar trial court experience. 

Applicants must be licensed by the North Carolina State Bar.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain membership in the North Carolina State Bar. 

Possession of a valid driver’s license in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle operated is required.

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing.  Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.

Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.  

Ability to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to move objects.  

Possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting and extensive reading, and perform work on a computer.