Associate County Counsel

Closing Date: 28th April, 2024

Description:

Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctorate Degree required; supplemented by one (1) year of experience in law as a practicing attorney or licensed judicial law clerk; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain certification and licensure from the State Bar of Georgia or obtain within six months of hire. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Examination:
The examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience, accomplished by analysis of the application. Application must document that the applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education, and experience as listed to be rated as qualified. If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required, at time of employment, for all degrees/coursework used to qualify for this position.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL BEFORE THEY ARE SUBMITTED. PLEASE REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS FOR ACCURACY AND MAKE ALL CORRECTIONS BEFORE SUBMITTAL BECAUSE ERRORS CAN RESULT IN NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to provide legal support on multiple assignments with supervision from senior attorneys. This classification is distinguished from Assistant County Counsel and Senior Assistant County Counsel in that it is entry level for candidates that have not yet achieved the skills and experience to handle client representation, complete complex transactions or litigate a case autonomously. This classification may not be focused on a particular practice area.

The Fulton County Attorney's Office (FCAO) serves as in-house counsel for all non-criminal legal matters in Fulton County, an organization consisting of over 5,000 employees and officials. The FCAO handles a broad range and high volume of transactions and lawsuits that touch upon all operational aspects of the largest county in the State of Georgia, as well as handling routine and complex litigation. Matters handled in this office span from administrative to constitutional law, with clients and practice areas that include public health and safety, labor and employment, compliance, real estate, finance, taxation, emergency services, licensing and code enforcement, personal injury, premises liability, community development, arts and culture, film industry, information technology, public works and infrastructure, elections, libraries, courts, boards, and authorities.

Functions: Essential
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Serves as counsel in representing the legal interest of the County for assigned county-related clients in accordance with state and federal laws and rules of professional conduct: provides legal advice to represented clients and other department heads, elected officials or managers as requested or assigned; provides legal support to senior attorneys; manages less complex transactional assignments; attends meetings; assesses nature of the legal issue presented; researches and analyzes internal regulations, policies and procedures or relevant state and federal law; advises client of legal solution and execution of appropriate steps and implementation; researches legal issues and writes legal opinions and memoranda; develops strategies and solutions to ensure compliance; provides information regarding updated laws and regulations as needed.
• Manages non-complex litigation for assigned county-related clients: prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions and other discovery requests; prepares appropriate motions and other necessary pleadings; takes and defends depositions; meets with clients and other witnesses; conducts legal research; determines case strategy; attends and participates in mediations, trials, and hearings; argues client's position; makes and responds to legal arguments; presents and examines witnesses; introduces and/or opposes to evidence; issues subpoenas; prepares and responds to appellate filings; communicates with clients, opposing counsel, and adverse parties; maintains related documentation and files; assists attorneys assigned to other cases as needed.
• Drafts and reviews contracts and agreements: reviews contracts for compliance with internal policies and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws; identifies contract issues and consults with senior attorneys on resolutions; conducts research; analyzes terms and conditions to ensure County's interests are protected and safeguard against potential liability; gives legal advice regarding contract details; maintains related documentation and files.
• Represents assigned department in personnel matters: attends classified employee hearings and other proceedings; conducts research; interviews clients; represents County's interests.
• Represents County in tax appeals: responds to the Notice of Appeal; prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for admission and requests for production of documents; attends mediations, arbitrations and hearings; prepares for, attends and participates in trial in state and federal courts; meets with client and expert witnesses; reviews and analyzes data submitted by client and taxpayer.
• Develops and reviews legislation: reviews, drafts, and interprets laws, ordinances, regulations, and resolutions; reviews and interprets pending and new legislation; analyzes impact on County policies and services; provides advice and direction to County officials and departments regarding the same.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures: maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in training and continuing education activities; attends and conducts meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including legal and court documents, legal correspondence, contracts, open records requests, legislation, and budgets; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including legal pleadings, discovery motions, legal correspondence, legal memoranda, and legislation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other employees, clients, court personnel, third party service contractors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

• May provide lead guidance and direction to paralegals and administrative staff, including instructing and training, and assigning and reviewing work.
• Performs other related duties as required.