Sr Associate Attorney - Tax and Real Estate

Salary Range: $99,602 - $149,401

This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

Position Summary

This position handles a variety of legal issues with varying degrees of complexity, managing cases that are sensitive and carry a high level of liability and consequence of actions. The Sr. Associate Attorney will work closely with the Assistant County Attorneys assigned to the Office of the Tax Collector and Real Estate services as well as staff to oversee and handle the legal aspects of various Mecklenburg County real estate business transactions, including tax matters, possible foreclosures, bankruptcy, and other litigation, to ensure all transactions are legal, binding, and in the best interest of the County. This position, under minimal supervision, is responsible for working with the assigned attorneys and staff in all facets of the real estate acquisition or disposition process which might include due diligence, title, and survey examination, addressing zoning, land use, property development and new construction, real estate financing, foreclosure recommendation and process, knowledge of garnishments, debt set off and collections, and possibly other litigation.

Essential Functions

• Provide legal advice to departments; apply principles of law to issues
• Perform research, course of action evaluation and risk analysis
• Advise department heads of relevant law and any new court decisions to apply to current issue or situation
• Keep abreast of applicable state and federal laws as well as administrative code provisions and new legislation and court decision
• Manage litigation for assigned County department or agency
• Provide complex legal services related to assigned County department or agency
• Participate in problem-solving on a variety of issues and special projects from the legal perspective, interpreting laws, rulings and regulations
• Review and draft contracts and documents
• Facilitate and/or possibly participate in trial preparation, or defense, mediation, court appearances, or resolution
• Review reported incidents, complaints, handles discovery requests documents, court orders and/or other information provided by the Clerk of Court, Judges, or attorneys.
• Provide leadership, coaching and/or mentoring and instruction on law and policy or liability, as needed
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of six years of increasingly responsible relevant experience practicing law.

Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.); graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: No

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina's Driver's License
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain County Driving Privileges'
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working on land transactions, tax matters, purchases on behalf of a government entity and/or foreclosure experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of

• North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Real estate law and real estate transactions, tax matters, foreclosures specifically focused on North Carolina government transactions.
• A knowledge of government acquisition and disposition procedures.
• Rules of evidence, civil procedures, and appellate procedures
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations
• General rules of court
• Criminal law principles
• Research methods
• Current case law and court decisions
• Mediation techniques
  
  

Skills

• Ensure that appropriate approvals and due diligence are in place before real estate transactions are executed.
• Manage statutory compliance with any transaction.
• Work with staff in all facets of the real estate acquisition or disposition process which might include due diligence, title and survey examination, addressing zoning, land use, property development and new construction, real estate financing, tax matters, foreclosure recommendation and process, which includes litigation.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate
• Talking to others to convey information effectively
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
  
  

Abilities

• Draft and negotiate real estate transaction documents such as leases and easements.
• Work under time constraints and meet deadlines.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Build Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Conduct Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience
• Build Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Collaborate: Work effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communicate: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided, both verbally and in writing.
• Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Negotiate: Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties
  
  

Computer Skills

Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite