Associate Attorney I, II or Senior / Probate Court

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County•Athens, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This job assists the Clarke County Probate Court Judges in providing advisory, transactional, and litigation related legal services, docket and case management, and serving as a liaison to other county agencies and parties in pending litigation. The role involves preparing cases for hearings and trial, preparing and analyzing briefs, reviewing motions and filings, scheduling cases, drafting orders, conducting legal research, evaluating contracts and deeds, providing legal counsel, assisting with oversight of court-appointed fiduciaries, and performing additional tasks as assigned. The specific placement as Attorney I, II, or Senior Attorney depends on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate with at least two years of experience as a practicing attorney in two practice areas required (for Attorney I)
Juris Doctorate with at least four years of experience as a practicing attorney in three practice areas required (for Attorney II)
Juris Doctorate with at least six years of experience as a practicing attorney is required with experience in four practice areas (for Senior Attorney)
Must be a member of the Georgia State Bar
Must obtain a minimum of twelve (12) hours of accredited continuing education annually
Must possess a valid driver's license
Knowledge of legal practices, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, rules of court, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job and especially Titles 9, 29 and 53 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated
Proficiency with computers, office equipment, software and technology
Ability to deal effectively with organizational, management, human relations and technical subjects
Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans, and activities and to monitor the performance of subordinates against measured, established goals
Ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government as they relate to the Probate Court
Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information
Ability to handle the required mathematical and statistical calculations
Ability to read, understand, and interpret federal and state laws, local ordinances and codes, tax maps and digests, plats, case law, legal handbooks, financial reports, real estate appraisals, and other materials
Ability to use standard word processing and/or data base management software programs in performing administrative duties
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computer equipment.
Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials.
Ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information.
Ability to read a variety of legal, medical, and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
Ability to prepare legal briefs and motions using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Ability to speak to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
Ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including legal terminology.
Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize and determine percentages.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.
Ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using computer equipment.
Ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
Ability to handle a variety of items such as computer terminals.
Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities.
Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews all civil filings to determine appropriate courses of action.
Ensures that matters are promptly calendared by preparing scheduling orders, scheduling hearings, case status calendars, and trials.
Prepares cases for hearings and trials, reviews all petitions and motions, researches relevant legal issues by reviewing case law, statutes, and court rules, prepares briefs and memoranda, attends hearings and trials, evaluates oral arguments, provides legal opinions, and drafts orders.
Prepares cases for trial, reviews motions in limine, reviews proposed pretrial orders, reviews deposition designations, prepares voir dire questions, assists with trial management, researches issues that arise at trial, prepares jury charges, and prepares verdict form and judgments.
Reviews proposed orders and settlement agreements.
Electronically files notices and orders entered, serves all relevant attorneys and parties.
Maintains and updates the probate court website.
Serves as a liaison between the Judges, other courts, other county departments, law enforcement agencies, state agencies, attorneys and members of the public; coordinates with these entities to ensure efficient and effective operation of the Court.
Provides legal research and counsel to judges; duties include rendering oral opinions, providing legal advice on government policies and procedures, reviewing deeds and contracts, researching case law, and conducting other legal services as requested.
Prepares documentation to assist in the orderly administration of cases.
Conducts legal research by reviewing case law, legal opinions, codes, and statutes.
Provides supervisory oversight including: handling employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and providing input for employee performance appraisals and evaluations.
Reviews applications, selects, and supervises law student externs from the UGA externship program and other programs.
Negotiates settlements and consent orders in cases.
Provides administrative support to the office and judges when needed.
Reads legal journals and case law to maintain knowledge of the legal profession.
Performs other related duties as required.