Closing Date: 30th October, 2026
Description:
Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.
Description:
To provide a broad range of legal services directed at promoting the mission, vision, core values and public service objectives of Gaston County.
Examples of Duties:
- An hourly salary range of $52.69 -$62.57 is anticipated for this position.
- The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.
- Represent the Department of Social Services in district court proceedings involving abuse, neglect, dependency, termination of parental rights, adult protective services, guardianship matters, child support enforcement, and related appeals.
- Prepare and review pleadings, motions, petitions, orders, contracts, resolutions, ordinances, legal notices, deeds, easements, and other legal documents.
- Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions regarding federal, state, and local laws affecting County operations and Social Services programs.
- Advise County departments, boards, and officials regarding legal compliance, risk management, policy implementation, and operational matters.
- Review and respond to subpoenas and assist departments with public records requests.
- Prepare County staff for hearings and legal proceedings by reviewing evidence, coordinating witnesses, and providing legal guidance.
- Negotiate settlements and resolve disputes when appropriate.
- Provide legal education and training to County officials and employees.
- Attend professional meetings and continuing legal education programs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the County Attorney.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited school of law with a Juris Doctorate degree.
- Two (2) years of experience practicing law. Must be currently licensed to practice law in North Carolina.
- Valid Driver's license.
- Knowledge of legal principles, precedents, practices, and procedures applicable to local government and assigned areas of practice, including child welfare, child support, adult protective services, and related areas of law.
- Knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence, and courtroom practices.
- Ability to conduct legal research, analyze facts and evidence, and apply legal principles to complex legal matters.
- Skill in preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, orders, contracts, legal opinions, ordinances, and resolutions.
- Ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and persuasively before courts, boards, and administrative bodies.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, employees, court personnel, attorneys, and the public.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
Additional Information:
The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.
In compliance with G.S.153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, whichauthorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties.