Assistant County Attorney I, II

Delta County Colorado•Delta, CO

About The Position

The County Attorney’s office works closely with County personnel and elected officials to provide legal advice and representation, including explaining and interpreting statutes, regulations, and cases to County officials and employees. The Assistant County Attorney assists County personnel and elected officials with developing and drafting a variety of legal documents including contracts, deeds, partnership agreements, easements, resolutions, ordinances, and regulations. The incumbent in this role represents the County in legal matters concerning the Board of County Commissioners, elected officials and various County departments in meetings, administrative hearings, public hearings, and court proceedings. The position requires legal research, preparing legal briefs, and developing strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases as well as advancement of the County’s goals both locally and statewide. Additionally, the Attorney’s office works closely with Human Services staff in civil litigation, especially child support enforcement and dependency and neglect cases. There are three levels of Assistant County Attorneys with increased responsibility, experience, and independent operation. Level I - Attorney position which performs responsible, professional entry level county government legal work involved in the performance of professional legal services included in reviewing, preparing, prosecuting, and/or defending cases in a and in preparing and reviewing a variety of legal documents and giving legal advice to assigned departments. (0 – 5 years of experience) Level II – Attorney position which performs responsible and complex professional level legal work involved in the performance of professional legal services included in criminal and civil investigations (juvenile and adult), dependency investigations (child welfare), trial preparations, prosecutions, defenses and/or non-trial resolutions. Positions at this level are normally filled by advancement or progression from the Attorney I level or, when filled from outside, requires prior successful, increasingly responsible Attorney experience in county government. Work involves performing legal services at the full performance level of professional difficulty and requires the application of learned judgment and technical proficiency in the completion of assignments. (minimum of 2 years of experience in county government) Level III – Attorney position which performs complex professional seasoned (practiced and skilled) and advanced level legal work through either representing the assigned department(s) in conducting complex research, litigation, and/or defense work. Positions at this level are filled by advancement or progression from the Attorney II level. As a senior level attorney, incumbent is involved in planning and staffing cases with other attorneys. Attorney is responsible for providing complex professional legal services in a specialized area. (minimum of 5 years of experience in Delta County Attorney’s Office) ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Research and apply knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations relating to county government, contracts, employment, land use, environment, law enforcement, finance, and general law. Prepare briefs, pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents and correspondence; operate computer; analyze and render opinions regarding comprehensive legal documents; and negotiate. If assigned, participate in various types of litigation and administrative hearings, including child welfare, adult protection, and child support matters in support of the Delta County Department of Human Services. Assist County Attorney in the administration and supervision of county legal office consistent with policies of county and within budget provided; maintain effective working relationships with public officials, county employees, State employees, and the general public. Meet with department heads, employees, caseworkers, legal technicians and supervisors to prepare cases for trial and appeal, develop treatment plans and stipulations, and conduct hearings and trials as necessary. Regular, reliable, and consistent attendance is required.

Requirements

Jurisprudence doctorate degree from accredited law school required.
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the practice of law is preferred.
Knowledge in local, state and federal government legislation is required.
At least two (2) years of Assistant County Attorney experience is required.
Must have demonstrated ability to complete all level I duties at a competent professional level with little direction.
Demonstrated negotiation, facilitation and arbitration experience in both legal and administrative/policy-making setting is required.
Considerable knowledge and experience interpreting and implementing state statutes, case law, and appellate decisions.
Experienced attorney with thorough knowledge of civil law, court procedures, the Colorado Code of Regulations and Rules of Evidence.
Must have intermediate advisory relationship with at least two (2) County departments.
At least five (5) years of Assistant County Attorney experience with Delta County is required.
Demonstrated progressive responsibility in all level I and II position duties with the ability to advise on complicated issues.
Observed departmental leader that is sought out by department heads and peers for advice and opinion.
Ability to work effectively with other employees, agencies, departments and the public and demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with community partners.
Must have trusted advisory relationship with at least four (4) County departments.
Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirement.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado currently or within six (6) months from date of hire is required.
Valid and Unrestricted Colorado Driver’s License is required.
Walk, stand, sit, type, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects or tools, reach with hands and arms, talk, listen, hear, read, see, lift
Mental stability, ability to reason and analyze, skilled in statutory interpretation, legal research, and legal analysis; strong organizational, oral and written communication skills; good judgment
25 pound requirement
Normal office conditions

Responsibilities

Research and apply knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations relating to county government, contracts, employment, land use, environment, law enforcement, finance, and general law.
Prepare briefs, pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents and correspondence; operate computer; analyze and render opinions regarding comprehensive legal documents; and negotiate.
If assigned, participate in various types of litigation and administrative hearings, including child welfare, adult protection, and child support matters in support of the Delta County Department of Human Services.
Assist County Attorney in the administration and supervision of county legal office consistent with policies of county and within budget provided; maintain effective working relationships with public officials, county employees, State employees, and the general public.
Meet with department heads, employees, caseworkers, legal technicians and supervisors to prepare cases for trial and appeal, develop treatment plans and stipulations, and conduct hearings and trials as necessary.
Regular, reliable, and consistent attendance is required.
Communicate official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
Research, investigate, write, review, and assist in application of organizational policies.
Maintain harmony among workers and assist others in resolving grievances; assist subordinates in performing duties; address errors and complaints.
Prepare a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision making purposes.
Advise County officials of changes to state or Federal laws affecting county operations.
Gather evidence in civil and other cases to formulate defense or initiate legal action.
Conduct research, interview clients and witnesses, and handle details in preparation for trial.
Prepare legal briefs; develop strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of trials and appeals; and file briefs with court.
Represent client in court, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for county officials and staff.
Perform other similar and related duties as assigned.
Complete all duties of the level I at an intermediate level.
Assist in worker’s compensation and liability claims including acting as liaison with insurance carrier and other attorneys as necessary.
Provide professional advice to Elected Officials and Department Heads; make presentations to councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.
At the request of the County Attorney, issue written and oral instructions and opinions; assign duties and examine work for exactness, neatness, and conformity to policies and procedures.
Assist Elected Officials and Department Heads to ensure compliance with all laws and ordinances.
Attend administrative, committee and collaboration meetings, as requested.
Approve ordinances, resolutions and contracts as to legal form; provide legal advice as to substance.
Confer with colleagues of the law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings; serve as a liaison between outside legal counsel and county officials on specialized legal issues.
Complete all previous level duties at an advanced level.
Assist in the management and supervision the county's legal department; plan and organize workload and assignments; train, motivate, and evaluate staff; review progress following consultation with the County Attorney and direct changes.
Provide leadership and direction in the development of short and long range strategic organizational plans; gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; help coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies.
Help to determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow; study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
When delegated by the County Attorney, advise Board of County Commissioners of legal conditions, current and future trends, and issue legal opinions.
When directed by the County Attorney, draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, franchises, etc.; review documents prepared by other agencies or parties.
Recommend for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners such measures as County Attorney may deem necessary or expedient.
Prepare and submit to the Board of County Commissioners such reports as may be required by that body or the County Attorney.