Senior Attorney - Civil

Job Summary

Performs complex legal work involving legal research, precedent problems, law enforcement problems, jury and court trials, appeals, and contested cases. Assignments are specialized as to civil matters including but not limited to tax work, condemnation work, or human services agency work. Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supervises and directs the work of employees in the assigned division; makes work assignments, evaluates work performance, recommends salary adjustments, and provides guidance and assistance to employees on administrative and legal issues. 

• Provides legal counsel and furnishes written legal opinions to various county departments, the County Administrator, elected officials, other county officials, staff, and law enforcement officers and offers advice on approaches to solutions for major county issues. 

• May attend County Board and other meetings to ensure legal procedures are followed, provide legal advice, advise on legal implications of decisions and to review policies underlying official action. 

• Prepares and presents civil litigation cases in district and administrative courts for enforcement of applicable ordinances and statutes and preservation of county rights and interests. 

• Prepares and presents cases in district and administrative courts in support of the work of other county departments, including child support and paternity cases, welfare fraud, tax claims, eminent domain, and judicial commitments. 

• Research legal issues, prepares memoranda and briefs of law in support of trial tactics, jury instructions, legal documents for appeals, motions, arraignments, complaints, answers, pleadings, bail recommendations, and other legal documents while preparing a case for trial. 

• Reviews county real estate transactions for completeness and legality. 

• Drafts or advises on proposed enactment or changes to ordinances and administrative procedures and reviews impact of enforcement problems encountered. Reviews and approves legal documents for bids, contracts and bonds for county work and supplies. 

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires admission to the bar in the State of Minnesota or eligibility for license reciprocity and six years of experience as a practicing attorney, performing specialized duties directly relevant to the position. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under general guidance of the County Attorney and the direct guidance and supervision of the First Assistant County Attorney. The employee is assigned to work independently on professional and administrative legal work. The County Attorney, Chief Deputy, or First Assistant occasionally review completed assignments, trial results, and plans or procedure. The County Attorney, Chief Deputy, and the First Assistant dictate policy and general approach to problem solving.
 
The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge - Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.
 
Knowledge of county ordinances and state and federal laws, including accepted legal precedent and ongoing federal and Minnesota Supreme and Appellate Court decisions.
 
Knowledge of principles of civil law, particularly as they relate to the ownership, acquisition, and conveyance of real property, contracts, taxes, and child support.
 
Knowledge of what can be accomplished by legal approaches, what must be done by administrative approaches, and how the two must be balanced to achieve the intent of county departments and to protect the public interest.
 
Knowledge of the organization, functions, and legal limitations on the authority of the various county departments.
 
Abilities – Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
 
Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
 
Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
 
Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material effectively.
 
Ability to determine the limits of action available to opponents and the probable courses of action of opponents in court cases.
 
Ability to present and argue cases in court, dealing competently with unanticipated situations when they arise.
 
Ability to negotiate settlements.
 
Ability to advise clearly and concisely through verbal and written communications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.
Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.