Description:
Purpose of Classification:The purpose of this classification is to assist the Chief Staff Attorney in representing the legal interests of the County and assigned departments and the legal interests of Elected Officials in accordance with federal and state laws and the rules of professional conduct. Senior Staff Attorneys will exercise much independent decision making; however, receives general supervision from the Chief Staff Attorney.
Essential Duties:
Serve as legal counsel for County Commission, County Department Heads, and Constitutional Officers in various matters concerning federal, state, and local laws and provides solutions to legal issues. Coordinates daily work activities of departmental staff including staff attorneys and administrative staff; organizes tasks of the department in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment.
Renders written and verbal legal opinions; reviews legal opinions of Staff Attorneys. Conducts legal research; prepares resolutions, ordinances, and other rules and regulations; monitors items for state legislature agenda. Attends County Commission meetings, zoning hearings, Pension Board meetings, and staff meetings in order to render legal advice as needed. Conducts and coordinates complex litigation involving Clayton County, its officers, and its employees before State and Federal Court, administrative agencies, and appeals to higher courts; 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 meditations, 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 motions; communicates with clients, opposing counsel, and adverse parties; maintains related documentation and files.
Represents assigned departments in personnel matters; attends Civil Service Board hearings and other proceedings as needed; conducts research; interviews clients; represents County's interests. Represents County in tax appeals; responds to the Notice of Appeal; 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.
Maintaining a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, case law, policies, and procedures; maintaining awareness of new procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; Participating in training and continuing education activities; attending and conducting meetings, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate; supplemented by six years of experience as an attorney with at least four (4) years of experience in civil litigation and/or local government law. Member in good standing with the Georgia Bar and admitted to practice in the Superior Courts of Georgia and United States District Courts
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in all aspects of State and Federal litigation, particularly in representing local governments; Experience in reviewing and drafting contracts; Experience in local government, particularly in matters involving public safety agencies; Excellent writing and communication skills; Admitted to practice in the Court of Appeals for the State of Georgia, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
Task requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Selection Procedure:
Selection will be made from a register of eligible applicants that may be established by education, work experience, test score, personal interview, credit check, criminal history, driving history (copy of driver's license may be required), drug screen, and/or physical examination.
Clayton County, Georgia, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
To Apply: Applications may be submitted online to our County Website until the position is filled.