County Attorney

Job Summary: (General summary/objective)

The County Attorney serves as the chief legal counsel to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and provides comprehensive legal services to the County Administrator, County departments, constitutional officers, boards, authorities, and commissions. This position performs highly responsible professional and administrative work in planning, directing, and managing the County’s legal affairs.

Work includes providing legal support for the BOS, staff and appointed officials, overseeing litigation, and ensuring County compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The position is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Provide written and oral legal opinions to County officials and staff upon request.
• Draft, review, and revise ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, easements, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws; advise departments on administrative, regulatory matters and be proactive with County legal efforts.
• Review and provide guidance on risk management issues to safeguard County assets and ensure lawful practice.
• Manage, evaluate, and direct litigation involving the County; prosecute or defend cases either directly or through outside counsel when appropriate.
• Assist Social Services (and specifically DSS Counsel) in supporting the agency in various legal matters when necessary.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing legislative proposals; track and interpret state legislation affecting County operations.
• Advise on matters relating to land use, zoning, real estate transactions, public procurement, taxation, contracts, employment law, and civil rights compliance.
• Respond to and advise on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; ensure proper training for County staff, boards, and commissions regarding FOIA and Conflict of Interests Act requirements.
• Evaluate claims for or against the County for adequacy, legality, and resolution options; negotiate settlements when appropriate.
• Attend meetings of the Board of Supervisors and other boards and commissions as required, providing on-the-spot legal counsel.
• Lead, supervise, and develop a legal office of professional and support staff; manage workflow, assignments, budget, and professional development.
• Maintain and update the Botetourt County Code in coordination with County departments and external codification services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Board of Supervisors.

Job Requirements:

• Required: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Required: Extensive professional experience as a practicing attorney, including significant work in local government, administrative law, litigation, and legal advisory services.
• Preferred: Virginia local government experience and prior management or supervisory experience in a legal office.
• Required: Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia or able to obtain licensure within a reasonable timeframe.
• Required: Valid Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local government law, civil procedure, torts, contracts, land use, real estate, employment law, and administrative processes.
• Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills; ability to interpret complex laws and court rulings.
• Ability to present legal concepts clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and members of the public.
• Ability to manage litigation, evaluate legal risk, and make sound, timely recommendations.
• Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate attorneys and support staff.
• Proficiency in managing departmental budgets, outside counsel relationships, and legal workflow processes.
• Ability to handle complex trial and appellate cases as needed.

Physical Demands/Special

Work Environment:

• Constantly operates a computer, other office equipment. These tasks involve movement such as picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling
• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Ability to remain at workstation in a stationary position for up to 50% of the time
• Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to attend meetings, access file cabinets and other office machines
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body
• Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading and data entry

Reports to: Board of Supervisors

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Botetourt County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, 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.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.