What You'll Be Doing

Join a dedicated team committed to upholding justice, protecting public safety and ensuring the smooth operation of the law enforcement system. The Wake County Sheriff's Office is seeking a dynamic and experienced Attorney to provide legal expertise in a fast-paced and impactful environment. As a member of our team, you will provide legal representation to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws while representing the Office in legal proceedings in both state and federal court as well as advise on areas including criminal law, risk management, personnel issues, and contracts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the Sheriff’s Office and its employees in civil litigation in state and federal courts, conducting discovery depositions, drafting and responding to interrogatories, writing and arguing motions for summary judgment, etc. Representation will cover a range of matters.
• Provide legal advice on areas of law that may include criminal law, employment law and/or contract law
• Perform legal research and analyze and interpret the constitution, statutes, court decisions, regulations, and ordinances
• Provide instruction to recruits and/or newly hired deputies and detention officers, provide in-service training concerning legal updates, new and revised statutes, recent case law, criminal law, arrest, search and seizure, juvenile law, Brady, and Giglio law enforcement responsibilities
• Provide written or oral legal opinions for command staff on issues of criminal law, criminal procedures and civil liability
• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Counsel & Compliance:

• Provide counsel on a variety of legal matters, including constitutional law, criminal procedure, civil liability, and employment law
• Ensure agency policies and procedures comply with federal, state and local laws
• Stay informed of legislative changes and court rulings affecting law enforcement operations
• Provide legal guidance during critical incidents, investigations and internal affairs matters

Litigation & Risk Management:

• Represent the Sheriff’s Office in legal proceedings, including civil lawsuits, administrative hearings, and disciplinary actions
• Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation and settlement negotiations
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to minimize legal exposure

Policy Development & Training:

• Draft and review policies, contracts, memorandums of understanding, and legal documents
• Conduct legal training for deputies, command staff and civilian employees on topics such as use of force, search and seizure and liability mitigation

Work Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with occasional court appearances and meetings
• May require availability outside regular business hours for critical incidents and urgent legal matters

About Our Team

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4400 employees and approximately 1000 of those are employed by the Sheriff’s Office that provides Law Enforcement services throughout the community. With over 850 square miles of area and 1 million residents, Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the County. For more information about Wake County Government, visit www.wakegov.com and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at www.wake.gov/sheriff.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law
• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney
• North Carolina Bar License
• Equivalent education and experience are NOT accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Litigation experience in state and federal courts
• Excellent knowledge of constitutional law, employment law and governmental liability
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide sound, practical advice
• Excellent negotiation, litigation and risk management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-pressure environment
• Working knowledge of civil rights litigation involving 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims
• Comprehensive grasp of criminal law principles

About This Position

Location: Public Safety Center Raleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm

Hiring Range: $100,178 - $140,250

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/11/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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