Deputy County Attorney

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs necessary legal representation for the advising of the County and its departments on legal matters and representing the County in court when necessary.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class assists the County Attorney or Departmental Attorney in giving legal advice to assigned county departments and studying problems and cases affecting a particular county department. Work involves preparation and conduct of cases pending administrative hearings, trial before courts, or argument in appellate courts.  Employees answer questions concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, policies, and ordinances.  Work is performed independently under the general supervision and direction of the County Attorney and is reviewed for soundness of approach and argument in the application of legal principles, and for effectiveness of results. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks

• Handles all legal work for assigned County Department, which may involve regular courtroom responsibilities.
• Advises administrative officials having legal problems on policy questions and operating problems.
• Confers with the general public as to matters that affect them as a result of actions by the county.
• Assists the County Attorney by executing delegated assignments dealing with legal implications confronting the county agency or department.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Performs legal research, draft pleadings, and organizes caseload.
• Make court appearances and legal arguments in trial and appellate courts, both state and federal.
• Provide legal advice to county agencies, officials, and employees.
• Perform legal duties as assigned and requested by the county attorney.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Considerable knowledge of general case, statutory, and common law affecting county operations.
• Considerable knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules or evidence.
• Considerable knowledge of the organizational structure of the county government.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and courts decisions.
• Ability to interpret laws, to analyze legal situations, and to make recommendations that will resolve legal problems.
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public and other person's contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school with completion and admission to the Bar with three (3) years of experience in the practice of law. Equivalent time worked in practice as a third-year Certified Legal Intern, with a concentration in local, state, or federal government, is considered applicable toward the three (3) year requirement.
 

Special Requirements

License to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

May Require Driving 
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
 

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.