Sr. Deputy County Attorney

Closing Date: 27th February, 2026

Description:

General Statement of Duties:
This position includes complex legal representation with additional responsibilities than Deputy or Assistant County Attorney.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:
Work shall require experience and competence covering a number of separate, even unrelated disciplines which are of particular importance and complexity or taking on responsibilities of lead attorney within a complex discipline, such as DSS. Senior Deputy County Attorney responsibilities include providing training to other attorneys within discipline and to other staff, within the department and within the DHHS-DSS division; serving as primary contact for judges and outside counsel connected to Abuse/Neglect/Dependency and Adult Protective Services; taking lead role in assisting in case management issues; and other duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties:
Duties and Responsibilties
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provides legal representation for DSS interests in all State and Federal Courts and administrative bodies as required.
• Provide information and legal opinions orally or in writing, including legal memorandums, office advice, consultation and advice in the field during developing situations.
• When serving as Lead Attorney within a complex discipline, the Senior Deputy County Attorney will be responsible for training other Attorneys within the discipline and establishing internal methodologies and procedures, and planning and scheduling assignments.
• Deliver presentations and trainings on child welfare legal and public policy issues, including implementation.
• Design substantive content for convenings, develop model documents, and conduct workshops for legal staff and client department.
• Reviews and apprises the progress of cases being pursued by Assistants and Deputy County Attorneys.
• Follows progress of cases through staff reports and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Standard
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of applicable substantive law and civil law, including NC statutory law and case law from the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and N.C. appellate court.
• Thorough knowledge of case law dealing with assigned department(s).
• Thorough knowledge of the operations, functions, directives and procedures of the assigned department or departments.
• Knowledge of N.C. and federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the drafting of pleadings, briefs, policies, directives, and guidelines based on such analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the DSS Director and senior DSS management, other departmental and county employees, the Judiciary, personnel of the clerk of courts, outside agencies, press and elected officials.
• Ability to analyze complex factual situations and to select and apply the appropriate statutory law or case law and to prepare clear and unambiguous written pleadings, briefs, policies, directives and guidelines based on such analysis.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to supervise and manage other's work.

Typical Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Special Requirements:
License to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

Supplemental Information:
May Require Driving
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.

Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.

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