County Attorney

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute §153A-114, the purpose of this position is to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners and to be its legal advisor. This position also serves as chief legal counsel for the County providing legal advice to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, department heads, County departments, and by local legislation and Resolution to serve as counsel to the Jackson County Airport Authority and the Jackson County Tourism and Development Authority.

• Serves as legal counsel for the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, all Boards and County departments.
• Attends meetings of County boards and commissions and renders immediate legal advice when necessary.
• Prepares contracts for a wide range of services, ensuring legal compliance and elimination of risk for the County; also prepares leases, deeds, agreements and other legal documents.
• Interprets and drafts ordinances, policies, proclamations and resolutions and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets legal issues and prepares necessary documentation and recommendations for action; prepares legal opinions and memorandums.
• Conducts legal research on a variety of issues relating to any County service programs and/or administrative business areas; may include research of constitutional law.
• Consults with Human Resources Director, department heads, the County Manager, and officials on all disciplinary suspensions and termination decisions ensuring compliance with local, State and Federal laws, ordinances, and policies.
• Prepares documents for or supervises outside counsel for real estate closings and acquisitions.
• Prepares and reviews County policies for adoption by the Board of Commissioners.
• Prepares and responds to legal claims against the County; researches case law and court rulings; determines merits of a case and points of law; analyzes pertinent statutory and case law, administrative and procedural rules; develops case strategy and legal arguments; conducts or manages/supervises civil and administrative litigation.
• Represents the County or supervises the representation of the County by outside counsel in court proceedings at any State and/or Federal level; prepares or helps prepare documents such as discovery, interrogatories, and depositions; prepares witnesses; participates in jury selection; prepares and presents opening and closing arguments before juries; prepares and argues various appropriate legal motions; and cross examines witnesses.
• Prepares and manages departmental budget.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

$73,080.76 - $107,067.20 annually dependent upon direct and/or indirect experience.

Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law; five (5) years desired of directly related experience that includes performing professional legal work and serving as legal counsel in a North Carolina local government organization, preferably county government; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications: Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment. Licensed to practice law in the state of North Carolina. Successful completion of State Bar required twelve (12) hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits annually.

Jackson County residency required - candidates must be willing to relocate to Jackson County if not a current county resident. Valid NC Driver License required.

Please apply online - https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/JacksonCounty(NC)