Deputy Corporation Counsel

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting in the administration of the Corporation Counsel Office, performing complex professional legal work, and rendering legal opinions.
 
SUPERVISION
This position directly supervises six full-time employees in the Corporation Counsel Office by carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

SCHEDULE
Days:  Monday - Friday
Work Hours:  8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hours Per Shift:  8
Shifts Per Pay Period:  10
Position FTE:  1.00

Applications are being accepted from current County employees as well as members of the public.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 
 
Provide complex legal advice to the County Administrator, County Board, County Board Chair, committees, department heads, and law enforcement agencies by issuing oral and written opinions concerning interpretation of the rights, duties, and powers of each under the federal and state constitutions, federal and state statutes, administrative regulations, and the Walworth County Code of Ordinances.
 
Assist in the administration of the office and assume duties of the Corporation Counsel in their absence, as needed.
 
Undertake difficult research and investigations, which may include analysis of legal documents, instruments, contracts, and case law.
 
Represent the county in court in the prosecution of complex civil litigation.
 
Prepare and review contracts, complaints, or pleadings required to be executed in the course of business.
 
Make recommendations on the selection of staff through the screening of applications and interviewing of prospective employees.
 
Analyze and assert appropriate defenses for civil litigation, engaging in settlement negotiations and discussions; with limited settlement authority; recommend settlements to County Administrator and/or the County Board.
 
Draft ordinances and resolutions as requested by department heads, the County Administrator, and County Board Supervisors.
 
Assist in the review of ordinances and resolutions proposed for legal form and content prior to submission to the County Board.
 
Provide legal, legislative, and case law updates to staff attorneys, law enforcement officers, and county departments.
 
Assist in the administration of property insurance claims and liability insurance claims.
 
Represent the county in all civil litigation brought by or against the county.
 
Assist in the administration of bankruptcy, collections, and In Rem actions.
 
Represent the county in CHIPS/JIPS, mental commitment, and legal guardianship legal proceedings.
 
Represent the county in zoning matters including the prosecution of zoning violations and the defense of legal actions brought against the zoning department, including appellate work.

Assist in preparing the yearly budget and monitoring the impacts of the budget throughout the fiscal year.

Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

Education and/or Experience
Undergraduate degree and post-graduate legal degree (J.D., LLM) and five to eight years of relevant prior experience as an attorney.
 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin and current CLEs.
 
Interactions and Communications
Excellent written and verbal communications skills required to actively persuade and/or direct others toward the achievement of expected outcomes.
 
Decision Making
This position has authority to make decisions by interpreting and applying department policies and practices with general managerial direction as needed.  These decisions directly impact performance at the department wide level and decision making requires a close collaboration of all those involved in the decision making process.
 
Thinking and Problem Solving
In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges and problems occurring in this position are complicated and require interpretation and application of policies and objectives impacting large departments or multiple departments of the County organization.
 
Tools & Equipment Used
Telephone              Personal Computer/Printer
Calculator              Copy Machine

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Selection Process

TO INCLUDE:
Formal Walworth County Electronic Application
Education & Experience Review
Verification of Licensure
Oral Department Interview
Reference Check
Background Check
Post Offer Physical Exam
Drug Screen

Other job related tests may be required.