Assistant County Attorney

Frederick County Government•Winchester Hall - Frederick, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Frederick County Government is seeking an entry-level Assistant County Attorney I to join our dedicated legal team. In this professional role, you will provide essential legal support to County departments, boards, commissions, and operational staff. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in public sector law while working alongside experienced attorneys. As an Assistant County Attorney I, you will manage a portfolio of routine to moderately complex legal matters under close to moderate supervision. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting legislation and standard legal documents, assisting with litigation preparation, and supporting senior attorneys on more advanced assignments. You will exercise sound professional judgment within established legal frameworks, policies, and precedents, with guidance and review provided by senior legal staff. Supervision is provided by a Senior Assistant County Attorney or the County Attorney’s designee.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Minimum of 3 years of practicing attorney experience
Admission to the Maryland Bar (Licensed Attorney in Maryland)
Knowledge of statutes, ordinances and state and federal laws and regulations
Knowledge of legal research methods, principles, and procedures
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and requirements regarding the practice of law, with the ability to abide by them
Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, with the ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy and competence in dealing with Judges, attorneys, court personnel and the public
Ability to maintain good standing and licensure/authorization to practice law in the State of Maryland
Ability to make quick and well-reasoned case decisions under pressured circumstances
Ability to research, interpret, and apply law to facts
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing
Ability to organize work and manage time
Ability to exercise discretion in working with sensitive information

Nice To Haves

Governmental or administrative law experience

Responsibilities

Provide opinions and advice to Commissions, Boards, and Departments
Coordinate and advise on responses to Maryland Public Information Act requests
Perform legal research and analysis
Draft laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations
Attend meetings of County boards, commissions, departments, and agencies
Evaluate legal matters and prepare, negotiate, or try cases on behalf of the County, ensuring thorough case analysis, effective representation, and adherence to all applicable laws and procedures
Maintain proficiency in substantive areas of law through research and continuing education
Respond to citizen inquiries
Prepare for litigation at various Court levels
Negotiate and mediate disputed claims
Perform other related duties as required

Benefits

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options
Generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan)
Dental
Vision
Flexible Spending
Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Vesting after 5 years of service
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Deferred Compensation Plan
Legal Resources
Supplemental Life Insurance
Critical Illness
Accident
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan