Assistant County Attorney

The County Attorney’s office works closely with County personnel and elected officials to provide legal advice and representation, including explaining and interpreting statutes, regulations, and cases to County officials and employees. The Assistant County Attorney assists County personnel and elected officials with developing and drafting a variety of legal documents including contracts, deeds, partnership agreements, easements, resolutions, ordinances, and regulations. The incumbent in this role represents the County in legal matters concerning the Board of County Commissioners, elected officials and various County departments in meetings, administrative hearings, public hearings, and court proceedings. The position requires legal research, preparing legal briefs, and developing strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases as well as advancement of the County’s goals both locally and statewide. Additionally, the Attorney’s office works closely with Human Services staff in civil litigation, especially child support enforcement and dependency and neglect cases. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and apply knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations relating to county government, contracts, employment, land use, environment, finance, and general law.
• Prepare briefs, pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents and correspondence; operate computer; analyze and render opinions regarding comprehensive legal documents; and negotiate.
• Participate in various types of litigation and administrative hearings, including child welfare, adult protection, and child support matters in support of the Delta County Department of Human Services.
• Assist County Attorney in the administration and supervision of county legal office consistent with policies of county and within budget provided; maintain effective working relationships with public officials, county employees, State employees, and the general public.
• Meet with caseworkers, legal technicians and supervisors to prepare cases for trial and appeal, develop treatment plans and stipulations, and conduct hearings and trials.
• Regular, reliable, and consistent attendance is required

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Jurisprudence doctorate degree from accredited law school required.

Experience:

Level I

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the practice of law is preferred.  
• Knowledge in local, state and federal government legislation is required.

Level II

• At least two (2) years of Assistant County Attorney experience is required.
• Must have demonstrated ability to complete all level I duties at a competent professional level with little direction.
• Demonstrated negotiation, facilitation and arbitration experience in both legal and administrative/policy-making setting is required.
• Considerable knowledge and experience interpreting and implementing state statutes, case law, and appellate decisions. 
• Experienced attorney with thorough knowledge of civil law, court procedures, the Colorado Code of Regulations and Rules of Evidence.
• Must have intermediate advisory relationship with at least two (2) County departments.

Level III

• At least five (5) years of Assistant County Attorney experience with Delta County is required.
• Demonstrated progressive responsibility in all level I and II position duties with the ability to advise on complicated issues.
• Observed departmental leader that is sought out by department heads and peers for advice and opinion.
• Ability to work effectively with other employees, agencies, departments and the public and demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with community partners.
• Must have trusted advisory relationship with at least four (4) County departments.
•  Combination of education and experience could waive specific requirement.

Licenses/Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in Colorado currently or within six (six) months from date of hire is required.

Valid and Unrestricted Colorado Driver’s License is required.

Hiring Salary Range (depending upon qualifications):

Level I - $93,787 to $103,166

Level II - starting at $107,855

General Benefits:

Delta County offers benefits for this position which include medical, dental, vision, and additional selective optional insurances available to the employee and eligible dependents on a cost share basis between employee and the organization. Life insurance and employee only medical insurance is available at no cost to the employee. We have a pre-tax flexible spending account. Employees contribute 4% of salary to a 401(a) retirement account fully matched with 4% from the County along with an optional 457 tax advantaged deferred-compensation retirement plan. Paid time off is accrued at 14 hours per month with an additional 11 paid holidays in a calendar year. We have a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes counseling along with some legal and financial support counseling. Delta County has modified work schedules for positions and employees that qualify. As an employee, additional employee discounts and fringe benefits are available.

To Apply:

External candidates, please apply using the Employment Application and email to Human Resources, along with any additional supporting documents.

Delta County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race (including hair traits), color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Employment with Delta County is contingent upon successful completion and approval of a background check.