Assistant County Counsel Grade K9

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to provide legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, elected officials and employees. This classification is distinguished from Associate County Counsel in that it requires more relevant law experience and an expectation that routine matters can be accomplished accurately with limited assistance. This classification may be focused on a particular practice area but may be subject to change. The Fulton County Attorney’s Office (FCAO) serves as in-house counsel for all non-criminal legal matters in Fulton County, an organization consisting of over 5,000 employees and officials. The FCAO handles a broad range and high volume of transactions and lawsuits that touch upon all operational aspects of the largest county in the State of Georgia, as well as handling routine and complex litigation. Matters handled in this office span from administrative to constitutional law, with clients and practice areas that include public health and safety, labor and employment, compliance, real estate, finance, taxation, emergency services, licensing and code enforcement, personal injury, premises liability, community development, arts and culture, film industry, information technology, public works and infrastructure, elections, libraries, courts, boards, and authorities.

Essential Functions:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Serves as counsel in representing the legal interest of the County for assigned departments in accordance with state and federal laws and rules of professional conduct: provides legal advice to represented clients and other department heads, elected officials or managers as requested or assigned; attends meetings; assesses nature of the legal issue presented; provides legal support to senior attorneys; manages less complex transactional assignments; handles some complex transactional assignments independently or with limited assistance; researches and analyzes internal regulations, policies and procedures or relevant state and federal law; advises client of legal solution and execution of appropriate steps and implementation; researches legal issues and writes legal opinions and memoranda; reviews legal opinions and memoranda of junior attorneys; develops strategies and solutions to ensure compliance; provides information regarding updated laws and regulations as needed.

Manages litigation for assigned county-related departments: prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions and other discovery requests; prepares appropriate motions and other necessary pleadings; takes and defends depositions; meets with clients and other witnesses; conducts legal research; determines case strategy; attends and participates in mediations, trials, and hearings; argues client's position; makes and responds to legal arguments; presents and examines witnesses; introduces and/or opposes to evidence; issues subpoenas; prepares and responds to appellate filings; communicates with clients, opposing counsel, and adverse parties; maintains related documentation and files; assists attorneys assigned to other cases as needed.

Drafts and reviews contracts and agreements: reviews contracts for compliance with internal policies and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws; identifies contract issues and investigates solutions; conducts research; analyzes terms and conditions to ensure County's interests are protected and safeguard against potential liability; gives legal advice regarding contract details; maintains related documentation and files.

Represents assigned department in personnel matters: attends classified employee hearings and other proceedings; conducts research; interviews clients; represents County's interests.

Represents County in tax appeals: responds to the Notice of Appeal; prepares and responds to interrogatories, requests for admission and requests for production of documents; attends mediations, arbitrations and hearings; prepares for and attends and participates in trial; meets with client and expert witnesses; reviews and analyzes data submitted by client and taxpayer.

Develops and reviews legislation: reviews, drafts, and interprets laws, ordinances, regulations, and resolutions; reviews and interprets pending and new legislation; analyzes impact on County policies and services; provides advice and direction to County officials and departments regarding the same.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures: maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in training and continuing education activities; attends and conducts meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including legal and court documents, legal correspondence, contracts, open records requests, legislation, and budgets; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including legal pleadings, discovery motions, legal correspondence, legal memoranda, and legislation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with County officials, supervisor, other employees, clients, court personnel, third party service contractors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems

Additional Functions:
May provide lead guidance and direction to paralegals and administrative staff, including instructing and training, and assigning and reviewing work.

Performs other related duties as required.