Assistant Corporation Counsel - Child Support

Job Summary

Assists Corporation Counsel in advising and representing the county in all civil, administrative and regulatory matters; mental and alcohol commitments; guardianships for certain individuals juvenile matters including CHIPs and Termination of Parental Rights actions; assists in administering the child support enforcement program. Represents the interest of the state in child support actions, if assigned to the Child Support Department.

Upon successful completion of the initial 6 month employment period, the base wage will increase to $41.70 per hour.

Essential Duties

Assists the Corporation Counsel in planning, directing, administering, coordinating and monitoring the day-to-day operations of the department; assists in the provision of legal counsel and representation in civil suits for Brown County; assists in attending to and protecting the interests of the County, it's officials and employees, and the broad interests of the public welfare; ensures decisions made will withstand legal challenge. If assigned to the Child Support Department, the attorney shall represent the interests of the state.

Assists Corporation Counsel to represent Brown County agencies, employees, and officials in litigation proceedings of a civil nature before courts and administrative agencies; advise and provide legal opinions to the County Board of Supervisors and its committees and interprets the powers and duties of the Board and County officers; prepare documents and attend all meetings as needed for the purpose of representation.

Assists Corporation Counsel to prosecute and defend all civil actions, proceedings, applications and motions in any court, commission, board, tribunal or body in any jurisdiction of Wisconsin or other states.

Performs legal research and prepares opinions, briefs, pleadings, memoranda, and correspondence on various legal problems for the departments and officials as directed by the Corporation Counsel.

Prepares, drafts, and reviews documents; revises and approves resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents and instruments for departments; review documents and offers informal opinions as to legal acceptability on behalf of the Corporation Counsel.

Investigates claims and complaints made by or against the County government; recommends action to be taken; prepares and tries cases for damage and other suits and hearings as directed by the Corporation Counsel.

Attends meetings and conferences as directed by the Corporation Counsel or as required by the requesting department concerning issues or problems; confers by telephone with officials, department heads and the general public.

Assists the Corporation Counsel to perform all duties as regulated by statutes, and assumes additional responsibilities in the absence of the Corporation Counsel.

If assigned to the Child Support Department, the attorney shall cooperate as necessary with the County Child Support Agency in establishing paternity; establishes and enforces child and spouse support.

Assists in planning long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department; assists in monitoring, reviewing and communicating the implementation phases of the department's strategic plans to ensure that long range goals and objectives are met.

Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.

Assumes additional powers and duties in the absence of the Corporation Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

Law Degree from an accredited law school, plus three years of legal practice experience preferably including municipal law experience; working knowledge of transactions law, mental health law and child support law is desirable; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
Certificate to Practice Law in Federal Courts

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of county, state, federal and common law.

Knowledge of constitutional law affecting the county government system.

Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

Knowledge of established precedents and source of legal reference.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.

Skills and abilities to perform the functions required of a municipal legal official.

Ability to obtain and maintain efficient performance of job tasks relating to municipal law.

Ability to understand and apply legal principles and to communicate opinions to decision makers.

Ability to achieve and maintain continuing education to meet requirements of practicing attorneys.

Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents.

Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare cases.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, peers, officials, and the public.

Ability to work the required hours of the position.