Staff Attorney

Franklin County is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to serve as Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will work under the supervision of the County Attorney and will assist in providing day-to-day legal services to County management and departments. This is a full-time position offering the opportunity to work on a wide range of legal matters in a fast-paced, public-sector environment. 

Application Requirements:

Applicants should submit the following with their application:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter that includes salary requirements
3. A writing sample that reflects the applicant's legal reasoning ability and was prepared without the assistance of artificial intelligence (this may be requested at a later stage in the process)

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Franklin County offers a competitive benefits package.

An employee in this class performs professional legal work in support of the Board of County Commissioners and other Boards and Departments for the County. The employee has the responsibility for providing legal advice to County staff and various county departments on day-to-day matters, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The staff attorney will report to the County Manager. All legal work will be completed under the direction of the County Attorney, including coordination of legal work and guidance on legal issues. The staff attorney will coordinate with the County Attorney to ensure that appropriate and timely legal services are provided to support County operations and activities. Performance will be reviewed by the County Manager through periodic conferences and reports, in consultation with the County Attorney, who is appointed by the Board. The employee must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in various phases of work and is responsible for updating and keeping the County Attorney and County Management informed as to all legal matters assigned.

• Provide legal advice to the County Manager, Department Heads, and Staff, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in consultation with the County Attorney.
• Assist in interpreting statutes, regulations, ordinances, and policies affecting the county.
• Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of documents including contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, policies, deeds, leases, reimbursement agreements, interlocal agreements, and other legal documents; reviews and offers legal advice as to the legal acceptability of such documents. Any legal issues that involve a decision by the Board of Commissioners must be approved by the County Attorney.
• Ensure all legal documentation is consistent with county policies and applicable ordinances and laws; recommend changes in policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
• Attend and represent the County’s various advisory boards and statutory boards including the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Board of Equalization and Review, Tourism Development Authority, Airport Advisory Board and more as required by the County Manager and County Attorney. 
• Analyze and identify legal procedures relevant to departments and Boards and deliver training to ensure proper understanding and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist the County Attorney with litigation matters by conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and gathering evidence.
• Represent the county in minor legal matters, as directed by the County Attorney.
• Reviews agendas and supporting documentation and/or attend meetings of various Boards or attend public hearings as directed by the County Attorney.
• Monitor and analyze proposed and enacted state and federal legislation affecting county operations.
• Assists with and provide support to staff regarding economic development activities. 
• Receives, organizes, tracks, and responds to requests from County staff on legal matters. 
• Provides legal advice and direction based on Federal and State regulations regarding procurement matters, Request for Proposals/Qualifications, etc. as needed. 
• Update the County Attorney, County Manager, and relevant departments on important legislative changes.
• Ensure the terms and conditions of grant agreements are acceptable and other legal implications are considered. 
• Work closely and collaborate with the County Attorney on strategic legal matters, seeking guidance when needed.
• Collaborate with various county departments, ensuring departments are informed and compliant with legal requirements.
• Provide regular updates to the County Attorney on ongoing legal matters, challenges faced, and the status of tasks.
• Participate in weekly/bi-weekly meetings with the County Attorney for briefing and guidance.
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with legal trends, court decisions, and changes that affect county government operations.
• Participate in training and professional development as directed by the County Attorney.
• Assist other outside counsel to ensure consistent understanding and preparation for legal issues and procedures.
• Identify training needs of County employees related to preventative measures to reduce legal exposure for various departments and notify the County Attorney and County Management of training needs.
• Performs related and assigned tasks as directed.

• Attends continuing legal education conferences and workshops relevant to the duties as staff attorney, and which also satisfy the NC State Bar requirements to maintain a law license.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of case, statutory, regulatory, and common law in areas related to County government, and State and Federal Constitutional law.
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Ability to interpret and apply constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, court decisions and other precedents.
• Ability to research and analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.
• Ability to express conclusion and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written forms.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with County elected officials, County Manager and department heads, judges, other attorneys, and other employees.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and appropriately escalate matters to the County Attorney or County Manager when necessary.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of North Carolina.
•  A member in good standing with the NC State Bar including completion of the State Bar required hours of annual CLE credits.
•  Previous experience in county or municipal government law is preferred but not required.
•  Strong research, analytical, and oral and written communication skills.
•  Ability to work collaboratively with the County Attorney, County Manager, and other county departments.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Please note: Application review for this position will begin on Tuesday, 7/15/25.