Assistant County Attorney

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

May serve as an internal legal representative and/or advisor for the County in such matters pertaining to the preparation and review of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, pleadings and other legal documents; furnishes legal opinions to County officials and staff upon request; may represent and defend the County and its officials in federal and state courts in cases where the County is a party.

Drafts legal opinions, proposed legislation, resolutions and ordinances and, when appropriate, present and defend such opinions at public meetings. Engages in internal and external collaborative efforts to advance priorities of County Commissioners and other elected officials.

Provides guidance and direction to county departments; may assign, evaluate and review completed work assignments; answers technical and procedural questions and ensures that work assignments are carried out in accordance with statute, departmental procedures, policies and standards.

Prepares drafts of pleadings, motions and interrogatories; prepare letters, opinions, memoranda and legal documents in the composition of legislative reports, briefs and contracts. Appears in court proceedings on the County's behalf.

Furnishes information on inquiries and complaints submitted to the County Attorney's Office from the public, law enforcement and other personnel as required; serves as a liaison with the community and judiciary when requested; represents the County Attorney's Office at community and business gatherings when requested.

Coordinates and directs investigative functions.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.


MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer
Computer tablets
General Office Equipment

Microfilm Machine

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctorate; and,

Three to five years of progressively responsible related legal experience in a local government environment; or,

Any combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

License in good standing as an attorney issued by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of federal and state statutes, case law, rules, regulations and procedures concerning county government, administrative procedures and the judicial process.
Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleadings.
Knowledge of the principles of courtroom procedures and Rules of Evidence.
Knowledge of the methods, practices and references utilized in conducting legal research.
Knowledge of the responsibilities, functions and operating procedures of the Board of County Commissioners; including parliamentary procedures, public process, provisions of the Colorado Open Records and Open Meetings law.
Knowledge of the organizational structure of county government and the services and functions provided by each department.
Knowledge of the relationship of county government to other public agencies and tribal governments.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, training and performance management.

Skill in:

Skill in using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Skill in organizing and delegating work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction.
Skill in performing legal research using Westlaw, Lexis or similar applications
Skill in applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.

Ability to:

Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedence to ascertain the determining aspects of cases.
Ability to present facts in a clear and logical manner.
Ability to present and argue cases in court.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, County officials, law enforcement personnel and the general public.
Ability to perform all functions pertaining to the investigation, preparation, review, filing, pleading and disposition of mental health proceedings, child welfare and child support and other civil matters.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: (970)382-6361

Fax: (970)375-7985

Email: [email protected]