LEAD STAFF ATTORNEY (COUNTY ATTORNEY)

About the role

This position provides research, legal counsel, and advice to Henry County Government leadership, the Board of Commissioners, and/or various court judges.

Responsibilities

• Conducts legal research: identifies and investigates facts of legal matters; reviews legal opinions and publications; determines applicable laws; drafts legal documents/memoranda on cases, writs, and points of law; and briefs judges on issues in pending cases.
• Provides legal advice: reviews case files; assesses legal issues; researches state and federal law; recommends legal solutions and precedents; discusses claims with judges; drafts and submits orders, motions, and summaries for review; and updates on new laws and regulations.
• Reviews statistical data: evaluates and analyzes orders and motions; monitors compliance with judicial rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Evaluates and responds to Open Records Act requests: reviews and evaluates requests from media, parties, County personnel, and the public.
• Serves as a liaison: responds to and initiates calls and emails; provides case status updates; discusses communications with judges as needed.
• Maintains current legal knowledge: stays updated on applicable laws, regulations, and practices; reads professional literature; attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions.
• Processes documentation: receives, reviews, completes, processes, and forwards documentation per established procedures; prepares forms, reports, correspondence, and maintains records.
• Operates office equipment and software: uses personal computers for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, email, and other software; operates general office equipment.
• Communicates with stakeholders: coordinates with County officials, supervisors, employees, law enforcement, attorneys, judicial staff, clients, the public, and others to exchange information or resolve issues.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate.
• Five (5) years of related legal experience, preferably in local government.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Licensure from the State Bar of Georgia.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local government operations, legal programs, policies, and modern office practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar programs.
• Skill in using computers and software for job functions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and courteously with employees and the public.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings.
• Capacity to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to process payments within budget and departmental guidelines.
• Proficiency in data entry, word processing, and accounting.
• Ability to operate copying machines.

Physical Demands

The work is sedentary, requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly. It demands mental acuity, the ability to make rational decisions, clear verbal expression, close visual acuity, and the capacity to lift, carry, push, or pull objects, including the human body.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a secure environment, though exposure to adverse conditions such as violence, disease, or difficult clients may occur.