County Attorney

The County Attorney reports directly to the County Administrator and is under minimal supervision. This position performs professional and supervisory work advising the County Administrator, County Council and various departments, boards, commissions, agencies and officers of the County on legal matters, and representing them in court when necessary. Work also involves supervising a professional and clerical staff. Incumbent is responsible for reviewing and/or approving contracts, deeds, leases, etc., on behalf of the County and advising on issues with legal implications, as necessary. Employee must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in various phases of work.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Prepares, plans and participates in litigation in suits for and against the County; prepares legal opinions and briefs; investigates claims for and against the County and makes recommendations for the settlement of claims, as appropriate.
• Researches, prepares, reviews and/or edits pleadings, contracts, deeds, leases, easements, rights- of-way, dedication instruments, security and performance bonds, bond issue documents, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents.
• Monitors new legislation (state and federal) and compliance requirements for administrative staff and EDC.
• Recommends procedures and actions based on legal knowledge and experience, and the interpretation of legal documents, both on request and at the initiation of County Council; attends council and board meetings to provide legal advice, as necessary.
• Interacts with management, citizens, and elected officials; ensures principles and objectives are implemented.
• Provides legal advice that may help determine the actions of staff and others in solving problems or approaching issues, including working with the Human Resources Department and Administrator on Employment/grievance matters.
• Reviews public finances and economic development tax issues and documents.
• Reviews new court opinions, legal journals, and attends continuing education seminars.
• Prosecutes zoning and code violations in magistrate courts.
• Drafts and reviews resolutions and ordinances.
• Supervises activities of the professional and clerical staff in the Legal Department; ensures quality and propriety of legal information and advice provided to staff; supervises all administrative matters within the office; include budget preparation and personnel matters.
• Performs other related duties of a similar nature or level.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires Juris Doctor degree.
• Over eight years and up to and including ten years of related work experience in the practice of law, including a minimum of 5 years of local government experience. Experience working with county government within the state of South Carolina is preferred.

 
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• License to practice law in the State of South Carolina; Rule 403 Certified.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Cover letter and resume must be attached to employment application.

All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation. Beaufort County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Salary : $162,021 - $210,595