Assistant Corporation Counsel II

Racine County is seeking a highly skilled and motivated attorney to join our team of dedicated legal professionals in a positive and collaborative office setting. This is a highly responsible professional position working on a broad range of legal issues under the direction of the Corporation Counsel.  

Essential Duties

1.   Provide general legal counsel and representation in litigation before federal and state courts as well as administrative agencies. Practice areas include but are not limited to civil rights, employment, labor, ethics, zoning, in rem foreclosure, bankruptcy, public health, public records, open meetings, appellate practice (including child abuse prevention and treatment act), and proceedings under Chapters 51, 54, and 55. This includes all aspects of legal practice and litigation including legal writing, research, advocacy, and trial. It may also include working with outside legal counsel.

2.   Provide written and oral legal counsel to elected officials and all county departments and committees. This advice must be thoroughly researched, accurate, timely, and practical. Advice provided must account for underlying policy considerations. Must be able to accurately interpret federal, state, and local law, and support decision making by policy makers with reliable legal analysis to ensure decisions made will withstand legal challenge.

3.   Draft resolutions and ordinances for consideration by the Racine County Board of Supervisors.

4.   Investigate claims and complaints made by or against the County government; recommend action to be taken based upon legal and policy considerations. 

5.   Attend meetings and conferences as directed by the Corporation Counsel or as required by the requesting department concerning issues or problems; confer (in-person and/or by telephone or other virtual means) with officials, department heads, and the general public.

6.   Assist in planning long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department; assist in monitoring, reviewing, and communicating the implementation phases to ensure that long range goals and objectives are met. 

7.   Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications. 

8.   Represent County departments in transactions including but not limited to general contracting and procurement, real estate, intergovernmental agreements, and memoranda of understanding. Must understand and apply controlling laws and be able to assess claim and litigation risk related to transactions.

9.   Attend board and committee meetings as needed.

10. Other duties as assigned.

11. Dedication and passion for public service.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Corporation Counsel.

Minimum Requirements

·      Must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.

·   Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and licensed and in good standing to practice law in Wisconsin.

·      Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word and the ability to use related software.

Special Requirements

·      Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.

·      Must be available for occasional night or weekend work as required. 

·      Staff should expect to work in an office setting. Occasional remote work is a possibility at the discretion of the supervisor. 

Preferred Knowledge and/or Experience

· Experience in a municipal or government setting and previous experience prosecuting and defending civil litigation and administrative actions. Specialized knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 51, 54, and 55 is desired, but not necessary.

·      A minimum of 3 years of legal experience including courtroom experience.

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 provide effective legal advice to elected and appointed officials in a variety of settings, including during meetings of legislative bodies. 

·      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 effectively present recommendations to judges, court commissioners, elected officials, various boards, committees, and commissions.

·      Ability to plan, organize, assign, train, review, coordinate, and direct the work of others.

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

• Ability to maintain high ethical standards