JOB SUMMARY
To provide policy recommendations and legal services to the governing authority, constitutional officers and department heads of Walker County, Georgia, and to serve as County Attorney.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provide legal services to the Walker County Sole Commissioner, Constitutional Officers, and all other departments and divisions of the Walker County government
- Handle legal matters including prosecuting and defending lawsuits, except for lawsuits covered by liability insurance
- Research and draft ordinances and resolutions to be considered for adoption by the governing authority of Walker County
- Draft or review all contracts and deeds to be executed by the government
- Prosecute violations of the Walker County Code of Ordinances
- Attend all meetings of the governing authority and attend other meetings of the various boards and commissions as may benefit Walker County government
- Communicate with federal and state agencies to keep the government in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations
- Advise the governing authority of necessary changes to county ordinances as may benefit Walker County government
- Perform legal research on issues of federal and state law touching upon any action or issue affecting Walker County government
- Assist the governing authority with planning medium and long-term goals and make policy recommendations for attaining same
- Assist in drafting correspondence on behalf of the governing authority, constitutional officers or department heads
- Other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Must be admitted to practice law in all courts in the State of Georgia
- Preference for admission to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia
- Preference given for prior local government practice experience
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with others at all levels of the organization
- Strong negotiating skills with both legal and financial/commercial issues
- Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships within the organization’s legal department and across all businesses
- Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
- Ability to follow general safety rules and regulations pertaining to duties
- Thorough knowledge of procedures and policies pertaining to duties
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- A valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance, and maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of Legal and Policy Director‘s job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential function of this job.
This position requires the ability to speak, hear, stand, walk, and see frequently. Repetitive motions are also required, with the ability to exert up to 15 pounds of force occasionally to lift books or files, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee stands for periods and walks frequently. The ability to manipulate hands, fingers, and arms to operate office equipment and a computer keyboard is required. Employee may occasionally be subjected to disruptive or contentious people and frequent local travel.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually exposed to a noise level that is low to moderate. Work is performed in an office environment about 70% of the time and normally seated. Employee must be able to attend and participate in lengthy meetings at night after working a normal workday. Employee must be able to drive a motor vehicle safely to various County/WCDA facilities, local businesses, and community group meetings, under routine conditions as well as driving in congested traffic, and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, or snow.
STANDARDS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE
- Successful development and implementation of objectives; continuous growth in service provided
- Effective leadership
- Appropriate and positive interaction with staff, management, volunteers, community groups and professional associates
- Accomplishment of job functions in effective and timely manner
- Proficiency in oral and written communication
- Effectiveness in establishing priorities, working on multiple assignments and concurrent projects
- Exercise of sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines
- Demonstrated ability to thoroughly analyze problems; to meet demanding and changing deadlines in spite of interruptions
- Adherence to established policies and procedures
To apply for this position, click here to access the application packet. Fill it out and send the application packet, a resume and cover letter to:
Walker County Government
c/o Tabitha Cantrell, Human Resources Department
P.O. Box 445
LaFayette, GA 30728
You may also e-mail your resume, cover letter and application packet forms to Tabitha Cantrell.