Assistant County Solicitor (Children and Youth)

COUNTY OF BUCKS

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position for an attorney who is committed to serving the public in a fast-paced environment that encourages and rewards teamwork, creative thinking, and sound judgment. The primary responsibilities for this Assistant County Solicitor will be to provide legal advice to and representation of the County’s Children and Youth Social Services Agency (“Agency”).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All Assistant County Solicitors are required to adhere to a high level of effectiveness, efficiency and ethical fitness. The County Code provides that Assistant County Solicitors perform such duties in connection with the legal affairs of the County as may be assigned to them by the County Commissioners or the County Solicitor. Although all Assistant County Solicitors are expected to provide legal services in accordance with the needs of the County, the primary responsibilities for this role will be:

• Provides legal counsel for and advice to the Agency;
• Handles court matters including, but not limited to, the commencement, prosecution and defense of actions and suits on behalf of the Agency;
• Provides legal counsel to the Agency in court actions regarding petitions for guardianship of person and/or estate. This is to include, but not be limited to, drawing up a petition, getting the petition on the court docket, appearing before the court, and termination of guardianship;
• Represents the Agency in connection with Right-to-Know Law requests and litigation;
• Reviews contracts, purchasing materials, and other business documents relating to the Agency’s business with outside vendors.
• Coordinates with additional legal counsel for the Agency, including outside counsel and the County Law Department.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the County Solicitor or the First Assistant County Solicitor.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Be currently and continually licensed to practice law before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
• Pass a criminal background check including a Pennsylvania State Police criminal history record check, a Pennsylvania statewide child abuse report database check, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record check.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to learn new areas of the law.
• Sound judgment.
• Commitment to public service.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

The following is a non-exhaustive list of experiences that would assist in carrying out the essential functions and responsibilities of the position.

• Courtroom experience, including matters involving children, victims, or other vulnerable populations.
• Strong academic background.
• Appellate/federal judicial clerkship.
• Experience advocating for diverse communities.

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