Closing Date: 30th October, 2026

Description:

Description:
This vacancy will be posted until filled.

Residency: Candidates must have been legal residents of the following jurisdiction(s):
New York State

Applicant Qualifications: In order for an application to be approved, the applicant must clearly show the training, education, experience, and/or licensure/certification stated in the Typical Qualifications. All qualifying information must appear on the application form. No credit will be given for a Work Experience description that is unclear.

The work involves responsibility for serving as an assistant to the chief legal counsel for the Livingston County (County) Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, and County Department Heads. Work is performed in the office and in the field. Supervision over the work of others is not usually a responsibility of employees in this class. An Assistant County Attorney serves under the general direction of the County Attorney. An incumbent will serve as the acting County Attorney in their absence, as necessary and assigned. An Assistant County Attorney does related work as assigned.

Special Note: The Assistant County Attorney is a full-time position, outside practice is prohibited.

Examples of Duties:

Provides legal advice and counsel to County Department Heads including but not limited to the Commissioner of Social Services, Public Health Director, County Treasurer, and Planning Director, as requested;
Conducts legal research and analysis;
Provides written and oral legal opinions;
Reviews and drafts applications, petitions, motions, court orders, and other legal documents;
Attends court appearances and conferences;
Presents matters related to child welfare and adult protective services;
Assists in handling juvenile delinquency prosecutions and Persons in Need of Supervision proceedings in Family Court, as well as representing Department of Social Services in child support enforcement proceedings;
Assists with the review and response of FOIL requests;
Assists in the preparation of local laws, Board resolutions, and legal opinions;
Assists with negotiating, drafting, and reviewing all departmental and County contracts, memorandums of agreement, lease agreements, requests for proposal, bid documents, and other legal documents;
Assists with the development, drafting, and/or review of County policies and procedures;
Conducts legal research and provides legal opinions to the Board of Supervisors and Department Heads as needed;
Assist with addressing subpoenas served on various County Departments and County employees;
Assists with litigation matters involving the County, either in house or with the assistance of outside counsel; and
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics: Thorough knowledge and skill in statutory interpretation, legal research, and legal analysis; good knowledge of Criminal Law and the Family Court Law; good knowledge of drafting and interpreting contracts, court pleadings, and other legal instruments; good knowledge of the proceedings of Supreme Court and Family Court; working knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations relating to county government, including but not limited to the County Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Officers Law; working knowledge of parliamentary procedures and the Livingston County Board of Supervisors' Rules of Order; working knowledge of public information and public relations techniques; strong organizational and time management skills; ability to maintain an appropriate level of discretion and confidentiality; ability to communicate and present effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to interpret the goals of the County; ability to deal firmly yet courteously with the public; ability to reason quickly and accurately in stressful situations; ability to understand and interpret laws, rules, and regulations in order to render a thorough and accurate legal opinion both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal working relationships with clients, courts, and co-workers; ability to get along well with peers and to secure their cooperation; excellent judgment; high level of integrity, skill, efficiency, and discretion. The employee's physical and mental condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position, either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Typical Qualifications:
Applicants must meet all requirements described in the following table in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:

Qualification Option # 1
Training/Education
Possession of a Juris Doctor[1],[2] degree.
General experience
None required.
Supervisory experience
N.A.

License/Certification:

Licensed to practice law in New York State; AND
Possession of a valid New York State driver's license.

Other Requirements:

See Special Qualifications below.
[1] Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
[2] Proof of admission to the New York State Bar and active registration with the Office of Court Administration is required.

Assistant County Attorney (2 positions) – E in County service

Supplemental Information:

Appropriate professional licensure must be maintained in good standing throughout employment.
Appropriate driving license must be maintained throughout employment.
A driving record evidencing safe and responsible vehicle operation is required.
Must authorize and execute any necessary releases to enable the appointing authority to verify licensure and driving history involving violations and/or crimes.

Note: Livingston County residency is not a requirement for this position. However, Livingston County residents will be given preference in the hiring process.

Livingston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.