Description:

Summary:
The Chester County Solicitor serves as the County's chief legal strategist and a trusted advisor, providing high-level counsel to the County Commissioners, executive leadership, and departments across the organization. This role blends sophisticated legal judgment with executive leadership, guiding decision-making on complex legal, regulatory, and risk matters that shape county policy and operations.

In addition to delivering timely, practical legal advice and representation, the Solicitor leads and manages the County Solicitor's Office, overseeing a collaborative legal team of six attorneys and two support professionals. The Solicitor sets the strategic direction of the office, ensures excellence in legal service delivery, and represents the County's interests in litigation, negotiations, and intergovernmental matters. This is a pivotal leadership role for an experienced attorney who thrives at the intersection of law, public service, and organizational leadership.
Qualified applicants will:

Be currently and continually licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
At least ten years of experience in litigation, including significant experience with trials and appeals.
Strong ability to analyze complex issues and provide concrete advice to various departments.
Excellent negotiation skills.
Ability to speak in public.
Exemplary judgement.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Ability to master new subjects and areas of the law.
Ability to understand systems and identify areas for growth.
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills required to work with the public and various agencies.
Valid driver's license.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience.

Knowledge of municipal government law.
Knowledge of civil rights statutes and laws.
Knowledge of human resources and employment law.
Working knowledge of the County Code.

No outside practice of law permitted. Salary based on education and experience, beginning at $139,131.20. A criminal background check is required. Please send all cover letters, resumes, and salary requirements to the attention of David A. Byerman, CEO, via the Apply link above. The position will remain open until filled, however a first review of applications received will take place the week of March 2nd, 2026.

Essential Duties:

Provide legal services by offering verbal opinions and advice and writing legal opinions.
Abide by all court-mandated deadlines relative to filing, discovery and trial of all civil actions affecting the County of Chester.
Initiate lawsuits and defend the County of Chester in lawsuits.
Maintain caseloads.
Review and draft contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
Advise the County Commissioners and other departments on legal rights, obligations, and risks.
Stay updated on relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions.
Collaborate with external legal counsel as needed.
Engage with county departments to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
Ability to practice law in Pennsylvania courts and a Valid Pennsylvania Attorney's license in good standing.
At least ten years of experience in litigation, including significant experience with trials and appeals.
Demonstrated experience in government or public sector law is preferred.
Excellent negotiation skills.
Ability to speak in public.
Exemplary judgement.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Ability to master new subjects and areas of the law.
Ability to understand systems and identify areas for growth.
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills required to work with the public and various agencies.
Litigation experience, including trials and appeals.
Strong ability to analyze complex issues.
Integrity and honesty.
Strong ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Excellent time management skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
A valid driver's license is required.
Proficiency in legal research tools and software.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

Knowledge of municipal government law.
Knowledge of civil rights statutes and laws.
Knowledge of human resources and employment law.
Working knowledge of the County Code.
Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
Strong ability to plan, organize and coordinate projects.
Strong ability to think strategically.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
Strong project management skills.
Excellent negotiation skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks.
Ability to speak in public.
General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Additional Information:
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (Email and Calendar).
Working knowledge and proficiency in Westlaw or similar legal research software.