Assistant County Attorney

Forsyth County•Winston-Salem, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forsyth County Attorney’s Office is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation to multiple Forsyth County departments, including Behavioral Health, Board of Elections, Bridges to Hope, Communications, Department of Social Services (DSS), Health and Human Services (HHS), Human Resources, Management Information Services (MIS), and Public Health. Legal responsibilities include litigation, legal research and analysis, training, document drafting, contract review and negotiation, and providing general legal advice and counsel on departmental matters. Applicants must have experience representing local government entities or, alternatively, significant experience litigating civil matters and knowledge of the laws, practices, and operations applicable to local government in North Carolina. As needed, the Assistant County Attorney may also represent DSS in Adult Protective Services matters and provide legal counsel to other County departments. This position provides an opportunity for professional independence, continued growth, and exposure to a broad range of local government legal matters. The County Attorney’s Office has established processes, resources, and legal documents designed to support a new attorney in quickly becoming familiar with the work while developing new skills and expertise. We also value the knowledge and perspective each attorney brings to the Office.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of law.
At least two years of experience in the practice of law, preferably in public law.
Possession of a license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
Valid NC Driver's License required.
Experience representing local government entities or significant experience litigating civil matters and knowledge of the laws, practices, and operations applicable to local government in North Carolina.
Familiarity with NC laws that affect Child Welfare and Child Support.
Ability to make decisions based on knowledge of law.
Considerable knowledge of general case, statutory and common law affecting county operations.
Considerable knowledge of the principles of administrative and constitutional law.
Considerable knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
Understanding of the organizational structure of County government.
Ability to deal effectively with the courts and the general public.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Passion for collaborating with non-lawyers.
Willingness to learn and take on new challenges.

Nice To Haves

A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

Representing the Department of Social Services in Child Welfare and Child Support matters.
Handling juvenile matters involving abuse, neglect and dependency cases, up through and including termination of parental rights.
Representing the Department of Social Services in Child Support Enforcement matters including establishing paternity, establishing child support, establishing medical support, modifying and terminating child support, and enforcing existing child support orders via civil contempt actions.
Performing legal research, drafting pleadings, and organizing caseload.
Making regular court appearances and legal arguments in trial courts at the state level.
Expressing conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written form.
Performing legal duties as assigned and requested by the county attorney.
Drafting pleadings, court orders, and appellate briefs.
Interpreting laws, analyzing legal situations and making recommendations that will resolve legal problems.
Maintaining and fostering effective work relationships with other employees.
Providing legal counsel and representation to multiple Forsyth County departments, including Behavioral Health, Board of Elections, Bridges to Hope, Communications, Department of Social Services (DSS), Health and Human Services (HHS), Human Resources, Management Information Services (MIS), and Public Health.
Conducting litigation, legal research and analysis, training, document drafting, contract review and negotiation, and providing general legal advice and counsel on departmental matters.
Representing DSS in Adult Protective Services matters.
Providing legal counsel to other County departments as needed.