County Solicitor

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

GENERAL SUMMARY : Under general direction, receive criminal or civil complaints against the Board of Commissioners; advise the Board of Commissioners, and departments under control of Board, of legal rights; represent in legal proceedings; perform administrative duties to direct Solicitor department operations.

Requirements :

• Receive criminal or civil complaints against the County; meet with department heads, County Administrator and / or County Commissioners to review allegations, determine facts and advise as to legal rights; gather evidence in case to formulate defense or to initiate legal action; conduct research, interview clients and witnesses; file interrogatories, motions, etc.; prepare legal briefs, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of case; file brief with court clerk; set case for trial; conduct negotiations to reach settlement or proceed to court; represent County in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government; interpret laws, rulings and regulations; file post-trial motions; file appeal up to State Supreme Court.
• Examine abstracts of titles, leases and contracts and other legal documents to determine ownership of land and mineral rights; draw up legal documents covering purchase and sale; draft deeds and affidavits; search for and examine public records; write opinion on titles; prepare case for trial; represent County in court proceedings involving title to land.
• Perform administrative duties to direct office operations; prepare budget recommendations, meet with County Administrator to review budget needs and office expenditures; develop and implement policies and procedures; prepare reports and memorandums.
• Perform the duties of Election Board Solicitor, Prison Board Solicitor, Planning Solicitor, and other as needed legal reviews for Commissioner led departments.
• Work with Chief Clerk and other administrative staff to review and approve public meeting agendas.

Education / Employment :

Any combination of education and experience which indicates possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed below. An example of acceptable qualifications for this position is completion of law degree, admittance to the Bar in the Commonwealth and related law experience.

Knowledge :

Comprehensive knowledge of civil and criminal law.

Comprehensive knowledge of courtroom rules and strategy.

Comprehensive knowledge of trial preparation, practices and procedures.

Comprehensive knowledge of research techniques. COUNTY SOLICITOR

Comprehensive knowledge of negotiation strategies.

Comprehensive knowledge of rules of evidence.

Comprehensive knowledge of direct and cross-examination techniques.

Abilities :

Ability to interpret laws and regulations and apply them to unique circumstances.

Ability to perform in-depth research and prepare legal briefs.

Ability to demonstrate tact and courtesy when interacting with various attorneys, court

officials and plaintiffs on legal matters.

Ability to guard confidentiality of legal matters.

Ability to adhere to strict rules of ethics.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral or written form.

Ability to present persuasive and effective arguments.

Working Conditions :

Work is performed in an office located in the Commissioners suite and requires working under pressure to meet deadlines. Work requires three physical days in the office and emergency on-call status along with regular meetings with the County Chief Clerk and administrative staff.

DISCLAIMER :

Classification descriptions are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required to perform the job.

REPORTS TO : County Commissioners

FLSA STATUS : Exempt

DATE : September 24, 2025