Assistant County Counselor I - COUNTY COUNSELOR

Sedgwick County•Wichita, KS

About The Position

This position assists the County Counselor and the Deputy County Counselor with protecting the County’s legal interests in all matters in which the County is involved, including the advising of the Board of County Commissioners, department heads, and other county officials as assigned. Ensures that the County is properly represented in legal proceedings as assigned, and that contracts, deeds, bonds, and other official documents are approved for form and legality (as assigned).

Requirements

Doctorate of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school.
Two years of experience in the practice of law.
Admitted to the Bar of the State of Kansas.
Eligible to practice law before the courts of the State of Kansas and the Federal District Court for the District of Kansas.
Knowledge of the methods and practices of legal research.
Proficiency in performing legal research electronically, accessing court documents, Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Knowledge of the methods and practices of civil prosecution and civil defense, effective trial techniques and the presentation of evidence.
Knowledge of the common law, State and Federal laws and regulations, state and local court rules.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze and organize facts in complex cases, to apply the law to them, and to present arguments thereon in clear and concise fashion, both orally and in writing.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with elected and appointed officials, County management and employees, the courts, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in the practice of local government law.

Responsibilities

Advise the County Commissioners, elected officials, county manager and division/department heads (as assigned) on questions of law pertaining to County business.
Act as the primary point of contact, provide legal representation, and provide legal advice for County entities and functions for designated legal classifications, such as planning and zoning / MAPD, tax appeals and related litigation / County Appraiser, employment law and related civil claims / Human Resources or Technical / HIPAA / KORA specialization, and other departments and functions (as assigned).
Attend meetings of the Board of County Commissioners or other public boards as required.
Staff other public hearings and boards as required.
Respond to inquiries made by commissioners and other county officials.
Prepare resolutions, briefs, opinions, pleadings, and other legal papers; conduct necessary legal research; maintain case records and prepare reports.
Review case law and legislation for impact on County business.
Examine and advise on deeds, bonds, contracts, and other documents.
Provide trainings to stakeholders on topics within areas of responsibility as needed or by request.
Represent and coordinate the representation of County’s interests in matters related to the designated legal classification area, Contracts, County Resolutions, and other designated duties.
Provide legal representation to County entities as a primary attorney advising on matters pertaining to the designated classification area.
Regularly staff meetings of associated boards and their subcommittees.
Examine claims, lawsuits, and demands against the County to determine their legality.
Prosecute interests of or defend interests of County in demands, claims, and litigation involving the County as assigned.