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General Counsel

Augusta Richmond County

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Listing Summary

This position serves as the director of the Law Department and is the chief legal advisor to Augusta, Georgia. Manages complex civil litigation and other administrative legal matters. Supervises the activities of the legal and investigative staff.   Provides general legal advice, legal services and legal representation to the Board of Commissioners, Mayor, County Administrator, county officers, department directors, boards and authorities and employees in their official capacities. Directs and reviews legal research and advisory opinions on various local government issues. Interprets laws and regulations and advises the Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, county officers, department directors, boards and authorities and employees. Manages Law Department budget and legal expenses for outside counsel.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Represents governmental officers and employees in complex court and administrative proceedings.
  • Negotiates with attorneys, insurance industry personnel and the general public in a professional manner to develop mutually agreeable settlements which reflect the understanding of the respective parties.
  • Advises the departments and employees in a knowledgeable and effective way on legal issues which might affect operational efficiency and/or risk of liability. 
  • Maintains excellent knowledge of all pertinent federal and state laws, rules and regulations, court rulings and departmental policies and procedures affecting the department to ensure correct interpretation and uniform implementation of the law.
  • Reviews, amends, prepares and approves contracts, resolutions, ordinances and other legal documents requested by Augusta-Richmond County Departments prior to execution by the executive branch and prior to departmental input into the MuniAgenda system. Advises the department heads and officials with regard to agenda requests. 
  • Prepares ordinances and regulations for Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia. Renders complex written and verbal legal opinions.
  • Prepares and monitors items for the Augusta-Richmond County Administrative policies and rules.
  •  Trains Augusta-Richmond County elected officials, department heads and employees on Augusta-Richmond County policies, rules and state, local and federal laws.
  •  Attends County Commission meetings, meetings of authorities, boards and commissions, commission zoning hearings, and staff meetings in order to render legal advice.
  • Provides daily advice and counsel to the Augusta-Richmond County Administrative, Executive and departmental staffs, as well as to its elected officials.
  • Updates and maintains high level of professional skills through attending conferences and seminars relevant to law. 
  • Supervises the Augusta-Richmond County Law Department professional and administrative staff and provides a mechanism to their professional development. 
  • Consistently evaluates Augusta-Richmond County legal procedures for efficiency and improvement and makes the necessary changes in procedure upon recommendation to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. 
  • Supervises and communicates with internal attorneys and outside counsel retained to assist Augusta-Richmond County in civil litigation. 
  • Reviews and approves all litigation expenses submitted by outside counsel for payment by Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia. 
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Mayor and Commission.

POSITION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES MIGHT INCLUDE:

  • Serves as a legal counsel to Augusta, Georgia by handling complex, legal matters and by providing legal services to the Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, county officers, department directors, boards and authorities and employees in their official capacities.
  • May supervise and/or train designated subordinate personnel.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:   

Juris Doctorate or Doctor of Laws Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning

EXPERIENCE: 
Seven (7) years of legal experience with a minimum of 4 years of documented local government experience. Must also demonstrate substantial litigation experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of federal and state law and procedure and Augusta, Richmond County ordinances. 
  •  Knowledge of local court rules and procedures. 
  •  Knowledge and expertise in the principles and practices of law, including civil litigation, administrative law, and quasi-criminal litigation proceedings. 
  • Demonstrated expertise in local government law, litigation and/or related areas of law. 
  • Skilled in oral communication, interpersonal relations, and writing. 
  • Skilled in conducting legal research.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION:

  • Must be an active member of the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving history. If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment. 

Listing ends on:

8/30/2024