Assistant Corporation Counsel

Marathon County•Wausau, WI

About The Position

The Assistant Corporation Counsel provides legal representation for Marathon County, including legal advice and advocacy to various departments, agencies, and programs. The position allows for exposure to varied legal duties, with the attorney primarily working with the Adult Protective Services unit of North Central Health Care on adult-at-risk and adult guardianship cases, with North Central Health Care on chapter 51 civil commitment cases, with the Department of Social Services on child welfare cases, and with the Marathon County Child Support Agency in paternity establishment and child support order enforcement cases. The chosen attorney may also perform work on other legal matters for the County, including providing legal advice to County committees, commissions, and departments.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited school, State of Wisconsin Law License required.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets County standards.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to County government, including municipal, trial, administrative, family, and juvenile law.
Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 767 and Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter DCF 150, as well as Chapters 46, 48, 51, 54, 55, 59, 66, and related statutes.
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of governmental organization, legislative procedures and of municipal public law applicable to County government.
Considerable knowledge of pertinent judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Ability to determine the adequacy and accuracy of pleadings, briefs, and opinions.
Ability to provide reliable and sound legal counsel in the various fields of municipal law.
Ability to instruct and guide office support staff.
Skill in both public and interdepartmental relations.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including presentation of evidence and arguments before the court.
A capacity for originality and analytical thinking.
Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.

Nice To Haves

Two years of active legal practice work experience as a licensed attorney are preferred.
Legal practice experience in the fields of family law, administrative law, mental health, guardianships, juvenile law also preferred.

Responsibilities

Represents the County and argues cases involving adult guardianships under chapter 54 and protective placements under chapter 55.
Provides legal guidance to Adult Protective Services staff regarding guardianship and protective placement cases.
Represents the County and argues cases involving civil commitments under Chapter 51.
Represents the County and argues cases in various courts involving child support enforcement, modification, and establishment as well as paternity establishment.
Works closely with Child Support Agency staff, including case workers and court liaisons, to ensure compliance with Child Support program requirements and deadlines and to enhance legal advocacy in child support enforcement, modification, establishment, and paternity matters.
Provides legal guidance to County Agency staff relative to individual case needs as well as assisting in the creation of policies and procedures.
Represents the County and argues cases in various courts involving CHIPS, TPR, and minor guardianship cases.
Works closely with Social Workers and Social Work Supervisors from the Marathon County Department of Social Services to ensure timely legal outcomes with the best interests of the child or children prioritized.
Prepares witnesses needed for litigation involving the agencies or Departments and their programs.
Prepares and drafts legal documents (summons, complaints, court orders, judgments, motions, petitions, appeals) and related reports necessary for litigation and/or administrative appeal hearings.
Writes persuasive letters and briefs and informative memos, opinions, and letters.
Negotiates settlement terms with parties or attorneys.
Reviews and responds to written and verbal requests for information, clarification, scheduling, opinions, and general assistance.
Researches and delivers legal opinions related to agency/county programs, practices, and procedures, and proposed legislative changes.
Reviews proposed court orders and dismissal requests; interprets court requirements for staff and assists in instructing and training new staff and implementing new programs and procedures having legal implications.
Assists various County departments regarding lien collections, judgment foreclosures, third party liability efforts, financial assistance recoveries, and other legal matters.
Maintains and reports statistical data relative to various program requirements on a timely and periodic basis.
Assigns work to department office staff as needed and reviews work product.
Reviews legal literature and opinion summaries.
Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers.
Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
Performs related work as required.