Description This position may be filled at the Assistant County Attorney I or II level, depending upon qualifications and experience.Please include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample with application.The principal function of this position as an Assistant County Attorney for Charleston County is to provide legal advice and counsel for the County in all phases of civil litigation in State and Federal courts, to assist the County Attorney in advising County Council, County Commissions and Boards, and to assist the County Departments and Elected Officials with legal questions, issues, and problems. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the County Attorney or Deputy County Attorney. Considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $85,854 - $99,921 for Attorney I (Estimated Annual Salary)HIRING SALARY RANGE: $96,195 - $111,937 for Attorney II (Estimated Annual Salary)OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY Duties and Responsibilities JOB DUTIES AND ELEMENTS Litigation - Civil Litigation is the primary focus of this position.
- Litigates lawsuits and civil actions for Charleston County filed under State or Federal laws.
- Appears in trial before circuit court, district court, administrative court, and appellate courts.
- Represents the County before various administrative courts, boards, and commissions.
- Conducts mediations and engages in settlement conferences.
- Conducts legal research, prepares motions, orders, appeals and other related legal and court documents.
- Prepares discovery and takes depositions, evaluates information and evidence gleaned from discovery, and develops the case strategy accordingly.
- Prepares trial briefs, participates in trial of the case, to include arguing motions in limine , selecting a jury, making opening statements, presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and arguing final trial motions.
- Researches the subject matter of information or documents to determine the basis for which legal actions or responses should follow.
Contracts & Agreements - Drafts legal documents including ordinances, contracts, or agreements for Charleston County and the wide variety of County Departments.
- Reviews County procurement contracts and provides legal advice concerning the same.
- Provides professional legal advice to the County Departments and Elected Officials regarding all facets of civil law in relation to both State and Federal statutes.
- Provides research of civil law issues relating to the concerns of the County Departments and Elected Officials and prepares legal opinions accordingly.
- Reviews assigned cases, researches and briefs the legal issues, and develops effective legal strategies.
Legal Advisor to County Council, Elected Officials and County Departments - Drafts legal documents and correspondence for Charleston County Council and County Administrators, to include ordinances, resolutions, and inter-governmental agreements.
- Acts as liaison between the County Attorney's Office and the County Administrators, Department Heads, and other private and government attorneys.
- Provides legal advice to various County Boards and Commissions and County-wide project teams.
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions, and reviews materials to maintain licensure and become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
- Keeps immediate County Attorney and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
- Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
- Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the position.
- May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather or emergency conditions.
Minimum Qualifications TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE - Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited institution; and
- Two or more years of relevant civil litigation experience in the practice of law; and
- License to practice law in the State of South Carolina.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge: - Thorough knowledge of relevant areas of civil and administrative law.
- Substantial knowledge of procedural and evidentiary court rules, practices, and procedures for both for both trial and appellate courts.
- Thorough knowledge of State and Federal common law, statutes and regulations pertaining to municipal governments.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, and references utilized in legal research.
Abilities - Serve in a confidential work relationship and handle confidential legal material with tact and discretion.
- Accurately prepare legal documents, memorandums, correspondence, and reports.
- Prioritize workload in a changing environment.
- Negotiate with and persuade others, including both individuals and groups.
- Present and/or argue both routine and complex issues.
- Analyze complicated fact situations, laws and cases and reason by analogy.
- Think quickly and on the spot and perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
- Work independently, or as part of a team, or as a leader depending upon the circumstances of the case.
- Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
- Exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgment in addressing sensitive or confidential matters.
- Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
- Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
- Quickly learn and use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
- Use initiative, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
- Maintain integrity, character, and strength in all aspects of the job.
Closing Date/Time:
