Senior Assistant/Assistant County Attorney

Role Overview

Assists the County Attorney in providing a wide range of legal services to the Board of Supervisors, boards and commissions, County departments, and constitutional officers.

The Assistant County Attorney reports to the County Attorney. This attorney will work under the direct supervision of the County Attorney to perform a wide variety of legal tasks for numerous stakeholders and clients.

Role Description

• Performs legal research
• Provides oral and written opinions on legal matters as requested by the County Attorney
• Drafts and reviews contracts, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents in support of County governmental operations
• Prepares reports and presentations
• Provides legal advice as needed during public meetings
• Prepares and tries court cases, including appeals to state and federal courts, under the direct supervision of the County Attorney
• Represents the County, constitutional officers, and other board and commissions before administrative agencies and tribunals
• Assists the County Attorney with the preparation and advocacy of the Board of Supervisors and other boards and commissions agendas

Non-essential Job Functions

• Performs a variety of clerical tasks in support of assigned duties and responsibilities
• Works closely with County staff and the Legal Assistant to the County Attorney
• Performs related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Strong academic background. Graduation from an accredited school of law and one year or equivalent intern experience required.

Must be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar or be eligible for admission within two (2) months.

Special Qualifications

Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of Orange County Ordinances, Virginia laws and procedures, as well as local rules of court and trial practice
• Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research, to write persuasively and accurately, and to prepare legal briefs to the appropriate court
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner, establish and maintain constructive working relationships with County staff, fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public
• Ability to present ideas and provide competent counsel in writing and orally to professionals and lay persons

Physical Demands

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light. Must be able to lift 5-10 pounds. Must be able to operate office and computer equipment.

Work Environment

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office or courtroom setting. Daily contact is made with judges, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, the general public in person, by telephone and by written communications.

Considerable skill in diplomacy, tact and persuasion is necessary. Work beyond normal work schedule. Hybrid work schedule available after satisfactory completion of probationary period.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Orange County Attorney’s Office seeks qualified applicants for an Assistant County Attorney position; however, the position may be filled as a Senior Assistant County Attorney position, depending on candidate qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate will assist the County Attorney in providing a wide range of legal services to the Board of Supervisors, constitutional officers, the Planning Commission, the Broadband Authority, the Livestock Advisory Commission and other County departments, boards, and agencies.

Duties include drafting and reviewing contracts, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents; litigating cases before administrative agencies and state and federal courts;

performing legal research; and providing legal advice. The successful candidate may be responsible for assigning projects and reviewing the work product of legal assistants and interns.

The hiring range for the Assistant County Attorney begins at $88,632.00 annually and the hiring range for a Senior Assistant County Attorney position begins at $111,326.

00 annually, plus excellent benefits.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, a resume and a 3-to-10-page writing sample. Applications which do not include the above documents will not be considered.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification.

It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Orange County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.