General Counsel

About the role

The Augusta-Richmond County Consolidated Government is seeking a General Counsel to lead the Augusta Law Department and guide all legal affairs for a large and complex consolidated government with an operating budget of approximately $1.4 billion and 2,800 full-time positions.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Law Department and cultivate a high-performance, service-oriented culture.
• Provide proactive legal counsel and representation to the Mayor/Commission, County Administrator, and boards/authorities.
• Attend public meetings to deliver real-time guidance on agenda items, parliamentary issues, and compliance.
• Represent officers and employees in their official capacities in court and administrative proceedings.
• Manage budgets, outside counsel, and risk-mitigation strategies aligned with organizational priorities.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate or Doctor of Laws degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of legal experience, at least four (4) years of which was in local government.
• Active member of State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals, and Georgia Supreme Court, or able to be licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.
• Substantial litigation experience and demonstrated expertise in municipal law.
• Budget management and supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Strong grasp of municipal government, including an understanding of and respect for their role and the roles of the Board of Commissioners and County Administrator as outlined in the county charter.
• Confident, assertive, and judicious, able to earn credibility with elected officials, employees, and the public.
• Demonstrate good judgment, critical thinking, and a focus on maintaining a modern, responsive law department.

Pay

Augusta’s hiring range for this position is $215,000 - $230,000 annually. The salary offer is dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Schedule

The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will occur on September 4, 2026.

Benefits

Augusta offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits and wellness program including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); paid leave benefits; paid family leave; wellness facilities and other ancillary benefits; and Georgia Municipal Employee Benefits System (GMEBS), a 401(a) Defined Benefit Pension.

Contact

To learn more about benefits offered, visit: Augusta Benefits & Employee Wellness.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online at www.GovHRjobs.com.

For more information or questions, please contact Yolanda Howze, MGT Director of Executive Recruitment, at 224-245-5630.

The Augusta City/County government is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace.