Assistant County Attorney (CPS)

Join a dynamic local government law office. The County Attorney's Office seeks a full-time Assistant County Attorney to render legal services to the Board of County Supervisors and the various departments and agencies of the County in civil litigation and provision of legal advice involving a variety of tasks related to local government law.  
 
The successful candidate will represent the Department of Social Services in Child Protective Services Cases including child abuse and neglect matters, including foster care and administrative appeals. This will require appearance in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the ability to manage a high volume of cases in a fast-paced atmosphere. Incumbents work under the supervision of their Deputy County Attorney.
 
This position will assist in preparation of court pleadings, briefs and opinions, as well as attend meetings with and handle litigation for County Departments and Agencies. We are looking for a candidate with strong credentials and a zealous work ethic, who has the ability to work with a team, while also being a self-starter.  If you want to join a great place to work while doing public sector law, this is the Office for you!
 
ABOUT THIS ROLE:
Performs responsible professional work in rendering legal services to the County, involving a variety of tasks related to local government legal issues including but not limited to:
1. Manages assigned caseload autonomously.
2. Provides recommendations and guidance regarding policy-making processes and procedures for the County.
3. Serves as a legal advisor to applicable departments; attends department meetings to communicate and obtain information.
4. Prepares and reviews a variety of legal documents, which may include charging documents, petitions, contracts, agreements, motions, appeal documents, probable cause statements, and/or other legal correspondence or documents.
5. Prepares for and appears in court, attends administrative hearings, and appellate litigation.
6. Reviews, prepares and prosecutes civil and juvenile cases; duties include reviewing case referrals from agencies, interviewing clients, providing legal advice and opinions to staff or clients, negotiating with opposing counsel and handling appeals.
7. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

KNOWLEDGE
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes; Judicial and quasi-judicial procedures; Legal caseload management techniques; Investigative procedures; Legal research methods; Constitutional and statutory bases for County government and applicable case law; Organization, functions, and legal limitations on authority of various County departments and enforcement and process problems; Legal document preparation techniques; Computers and related software applications.
 
SKILLS
Delegating and prioritizing work; Using computers and related software applications; Understanding applicable case law, statutes, Rules of Evidence, and civil procedure; Analyzing situations and recommending solutions; Formulating and communicating legal advice; Writing memoranda, opinions, correspondence, and other legal documents; Preparing and trying cases before administrative and judicial forums, including appeal; Performing legal research; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
 
LEVEL OF DECISION-MAKING RESPONSIBILITY 
Responsibilities typically involve the development of broad organizational strategies for the assigned department(s) and/or functions and therefore determine the precedent and guidelines under which assigned areas operate. Incumbents apply advanced management principles by employing strategic thinking generally acquired through significant managerial experience. Incumbents provide necessary support to the Deputy County Attorney, Chief Deputy County Attorney and County Attorney.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctorate degree.

PREFERENCES: The ideal candidate should have a Juris Doctorate degree and 2 years of progressively responsible experience practicing law in local government and must be a member of the Bar of the State of Virginia on their hire date.
 
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; some evening and weekend work required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Law degree; license to practice law in Virginia. Admission to the Virginia State Bar
 
STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $80,749.50 - $108,322.50  Annually

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NOTE: 
The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
   
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.