Assistant County Counselor

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County Government, in Olathe, Kansas, is actively recruiting for an attorney with broad expertise in local government legal practice.  This position is intended to provide primary services in one or more of the following areas: employee relations and benefits, HIPAA (Privacy Officer), Planning, and/or Aging, depending on experience and interest.  The Assistant County Counselor, under minimal supervision, provides legal services to the assigned departments, agencies, and offices (D/A/Os) including researching legal issues and drafting legal opinions, reviewing and drafting a wide variety of legal documents, representing the County in court, administrative proceedings, and negotiations, and providing legal counsel. This attorney works closely with leadership in the assigned D/A/Os to proactively identify and address legal issues including providing comprehensive risk assessment. The Assistant County Counselor is able to provide legal services in complex legal matters with minimal supervision. In addition, the assigned departments may be rotational and subject to change depending on interest and departmental needs. First reveiw of applications will begin on March 21, 2025.  Additional responsibilities include: 

• Collaborates with other members of the Legal Department to achieve County and Legal department goals and objectives and, with minimal supervision, collaborates with assigned D/A/O leadership to achieve their goals.
• Develops a comprehensive knowledge of the law, policies, and operations of assigned D/A/Os and applies such knowledge to provide proactive risk assessment and legal counsel and to  propose changes to policy or legislation. Develops working knowledge and application of local government law in advising and representing D/A/Os.
• Working independently or with minimal supervision, researches and interprets laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies, analyzes their impact on County operations in assigned areas, and prepares clear and concise legal opinions with thorough legal analysis and risk assessment. Effectively communicates advice to D/A/Os and others individually and in larger group settings.
• Investigates and responds to claims and complaints involving the assigned D/A/Os including  interviewing clients and witnesses, collecting and reviewing documents, conducting legal research and analyzing legal issues, and responding to requests for information. Provides legal opinions as to the County’s risks, proposes solutions for resolution, and negotiates resolution where applicable.
• Represents the County in litigation and administrative proceedings including conducting fact investigations; preparing and responding to pleadings, motions, discovery, trial and appellate briefs; and developing strategies, arguments, and evidence in preparation for presentation of cases. Proposes and negotiates settlements where appropriate. Manages and collaborates with outside counsel in the representation of the County in litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Reviews, revises, negotiates, and drafts contracts, MOUs, leases, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with the law and County policy and protecting the interests of the County.

Juris Doctorate, active Kansas licensure to practice law, five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney required.  

Masters of Law in local government law or another area of law relevant to the work of the Johnson County Legal Department and experience practicing in local government preferred.

Additional education beyond the Juris Doctorate may be substituted for experience.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.