County Attorney

Initially hired by the Shelby County Commission and at the discretion and desired timing of the County Commission appointed County Attorney. Under the supervision of the County Manager, the attorney is responsible for providing legal counsel and representation to the County Commissioners and County staff, performing legal services for the County such as preparing cases for trial, drafting resolutions, and rendering legal opinions to ensure proper legal representation. The employee in this position represents the County in court, conducts legal research, ensures adherence to relevant legal guidelines (e.g., local laws, codes, ordinances), negotiates various agreements (e.g., claim settlements, contracts), drafts and/or reviews legal documents, and participates in professional development activities (e.g., conferences, workshops.)  The position involves advising various county departments, officials, and employees on legal matters, representing the county in litigation, drafting and reviewing contracts and ordinances, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  Once hired by the County Commission, the Attorney shall not continue to perform private legal practice of law or legal work outside of the duties and responsibilities of this position.

• Manages and directs all legal operations for the County including working with appointed or retained counsel representing the County, its officers and employees in their official capacities in all legal matters including litigation of claims and suits filed on behalf of or against the County.
• Provides legal guidance to the County, its officers, and employees in a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to employment law, land use and zoning, public finance, contracts, and civil rights.
• Keeps abreast of and interpret laws, court decisions, and regulations relevant to county operations and policies.
• Reviews proposed policies, programs, and initiatives to ensure legal compliance and mitigate potential legal risks.
• Represents, or works with appointed or retained counsel, the County in litigation matters, including civil lawsuits, administrative hearings, and appeals.
• Conducts legal research, prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Litigates matters as directed by the County Commission and County Manager; enforces contracts, permits, and other matters; defends any legal claims against the County and its officers or employees; drafts and files legal opinions, requests and briefs; reviews and analyzes cases; prepares witness examinations, cross-examinations, and depositions; represents the County in court and may negotiate settlements.
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, agreements, leases, and other legal documents entered into by the county.
• Ensures that contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, and county policies.  Advise county departments on contractual rights, obligations, and remedies.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments at the federal, state, and local levels that may impact the county. Advises county officials on compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Assists in drafting and reviewing county ordinances, resolutions, and policies.
• Identifies legal risks and recommend strategies to mitigate or manage them.
• Develops and implements training programs for county employees on legal compliance and risk management.  Work closely with county departments to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff; directs work and coordinating activities of staff; reviews legal work of staff to ensure effectiveness; and participates in the interviewing, hiring, performance appraisals, and discipline of employees.
• Provides legal guidance and advice relating to County to the County Commission, County Manager, County employees, boards, and committees pertaining to legal issues
• Participates in the formulation of County policies and codes; reviews and analyzes reports; advises the County on pending legislation; researches, drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, legislative bills, and other matters; attends meetings of the County Commission.
• Provides legal advice to County officials, department heads, and employees on various civil matters; represents the County, it's officers and employees in the defense of any action performed while acting in an official capacity on behalf of the County.
• Assists outside counsel retained by or on behalf of the County.
• Researches municipal policies, laws and ordinances; interprets codes, regulations, personnel and administrative policies; develops recommendations for modification and/ or improvements identified through legal and administrative processes; plans and implements appropriate procedural changes.
• Composes and reviews contracts, permits, pleadings, briefs, and correspondence; researches laws and ordinances: confers with County officials, attorneys, elected officials, and staff: testifies before legislative bodies on behalf of the County; ensures  all legal documents are in compliance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
• Oversees the development of the departmental budget; analyzes and determines requirements; consolidates data for presentation to the County Manager for budget requests: implements approved budget; approves and monitors expenditures: reviews monthly and quarterly reporting to ensure budgetary compliance.
• Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required to remain knowledgeable of municipal legal issues, to promote improved departmental performance, and to advise on changing state/municipal codes and criminal/civil law, policies, and regulations.
• Provides guidance to elected officials and department heads regarding competitive bid law, and county procurement policy.
• Collaborates with other county and city attorneys, outside counsel, and government agencies on legal matters of mutual interest.
• Communicates effectively with county officials, department heads, and employees to provide legal guidance and support.
• Shares knowledge with County officials, departments, municipalities, staff, and the general public; develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with officials, departments, representatives from commissions and boards, representatives of other government bodies and agencies, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the County.
• Develops staff effectively through training, mentoring, support, assessment, evaluation and feedback to ensure future success with the organization.
• Represents the County at meetings, hearings, and other forums as required.
• Performs all duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Shall not continue to perform private legal practice of law or legal work outside of the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the County Commission and/or County Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Juris Doctorate degree
• Ten years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably with experience in local government law, public sector law, or related fields, performing legal and trial work with an emphasis in contracts, construction, and employment law, preferably with experience in governmental or municipal law; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.
• Admission to the Alabama state bar and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division.
• Strong knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and legal principles.
• Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively to non-lawyers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A member in good standing with the Alabama State Bar Association.
• Supervisory experience.

• Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
• Public sector, local government experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. Job may also involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in office settings and courtroom settings. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.

EXAMINATIONS: No written or performance examination will be required for this position. Applicants are screened and certified based on an evaluation of their education, training, experience and other requirements as outlined in the Position Announcement and denoted on their job application and responses to the attached supplemental questionnaire.
 
PRE-EMPLOYMENT/POST OFFER DRUG SCREENING: Shelby County is committed to providing and maintaining a drug-free work environment. After receiving a conditional offer of employment, applicants will be required to pass a drug test conducted at a test site designated by the Shelby County personnel Department. Shelby County, Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Qualified applicants and considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.