Assistant Solicitor

County of Chester•313 W Market Street - West Chester, PA

12d

About The Position

The Assistant County Solicitor provides legal representation to the County, its departments, and personnel in a variety of legal situations. The role advises on compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as County policies and procedures. It includes reviewing and drafting contracts, agreements, resolutions, ordinances, and County policies; researching legal issues; and supporting departments with legal, policy, statutory, and regulatory interpretation. The Assistant Solicitor may represent the County in administrative proceedings and state and federal courts, draft litigation pleadings, argue motions, and conduct legal proceedings. A criminal background check is required. Other duties and special projects may be assigned by the Solicitor’s Office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Law degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the Pennsylvania bar in good standing and a license to practice law in Pennsylvania.
Highly skilled in applying legal principles.
Proven ability to create, develop, analyze, interpret, and apply human resources and other County policies, procedures, and rules.
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong organizational skills.
Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
Ability to attend and professionally represent the County in court appearances.
Strong time-management skills and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently, proceed with objectives, coordinate and direct work assignments, and interface with all levels of County management.
Intermediate skill using a personal computer and various software packages; basic Word, Outlook, and Adobe skills, including redacting and organizing PDFs; basic knowledge and skills using Westlaw.
Knowledge and skill with standard office equipment.
Reliability and commitment to a seven-hour, five-day work week.
Valid driver’s license.
A criminal background check is required; relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment, per County policy.
Frequently stand, walk, and sit; occasionally climb stairs, bend, twist or rotate at the waist, lift and carry items, and drive to different locations.

Nice To Haves

Admission to practice in federal courts is preferred.
Familiarity with Chester County Court processes and procedures is a plus.

Responsibilities

Advise and provide legal counsel on compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations and County policies and procedures.
Review and draft contracts and agreements to identify issues, ensure legal compliance, and negotiate terms.
Review and draft resolutions and ordinances.
Conduct and coordinate legal research for County departments, including research into municipal laws and federal and state statutes, laws, and regulations.
Serve as a legal resource to management and departments on legal matters and policy, statutory, and regulatory interpretation.
Identify laws that protect information and draft responses to subpoenas and Right-to-Know Law requests and appeals.
Assess departmental policies and procedures for legal and regulatory compliance and compatibility with the County Employee Handbook.
Draft new and revised County policies as needed.
Represent the County in administrative proceedings, Magisterial District and Common Pleas proceedings, Pennsylvania appellate matters, and federal courts when necessary.
Draft pleadings in local, state, and federal litigation.
Occasionally argue motions and conduct legal proceedings in court.
Complete other duties, tasks, and special projects as required by the Solicitor’s Office.