Senior Assistant County Attorney

Job Description:

Senior Assistant County Attorney

Description

Senior Assistant County Attorney
County Attorney Office
Full Time, 12 Months
Exempt, Pay Grade 39
Benefits Eligible, VRS Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

Assists the County Attorney in providing general legal services for the Board of Supervisors, the County administration, and all other boards, commissions, departments, and agencies of the County. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney with direct responsiveness to other County officials when assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Limited supervision is exercised over clerical staff within the Office of the County Attorney.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as lead attorney for assigned boards, commissions, departments, or agencies;
• Handles or assists in legal matters and cases of a highly complex nature;
• Conducts complex legal research;
• Prepares oral and written opinions on legal matters;
• Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and other boards and commissions, when necessary;
• Prepares and tries court cases, including appeals to state and federal courts, representing the County and/or its officers and/or employees;
• Prepares and presents training to County staff on topics of legal and operational significance, including preventive liability and substantive subject-matter training in areas of assigned responsibility;
• Represents the County’s interests in employment-related grievances, including internal administrative reviews, hearings before hearing officers and grievance panels, resulting appeals to circuit court and appellate courts, and complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
• Represents the County before administrative agencies, tribunals, and hearing officers;
• Reviews and drafts contracts and other legal documents required for County business;
• Prosecutes violations of County ordinances;
• Advises on the purchase, condemnation, sale, exchange, or lease of properties;
• Drafts County ordinances, resolutions, and administrative and operational policies;
• Reviews and monitors legislation, especially of the General Assembly;
• Provides preventive liability training in areas of assigned responsibility;
• Performs related work as assigned.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, including statutes, ordinances, regulations, and court decisions affecting Virginia local governments;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the resources available for legal research and their use;
• Comprehensive knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment;
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use electronic resources, especially e-mail;
• Ability to present complex ideas effectively, orally, in writing, and through digital platforms, to professional and lay persons;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, court officials, attorneys, and the public;
• Ability to handle complex trial and appellate litigation;
• Ability to plan and organize complicated and diverse workload.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited law school;
• Minimum of six (6) years’ experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in the practice of local government law, or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities;
• Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and admitted to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court and Federal District Courts or be able to obtain admission within two months of employment.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in an office or courtroom setting.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Daily contact is made with judges, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, and the general public, in person, by telephone, and in writing.
• Considerable skill in diplomacy, tact, and persuasion is necessary.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $112,163 - $123,969 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Deadline for Applications: Position posted until January 31, 2025

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.