Assistant Corporation Counsel
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Conducts legal research and drafts written legal opinions. Drafts, reviews, and researches county resolutions, ordinances, contracts and legal documents.
Provides legal advice and opinions to County departments and County Board committees.
Updates County departments on changes in laws or regulations and the impact to the department.
Advises and represents the Human Services and Health Department in guardianship and protective placement proceedings, children in need of protection and services proceedings (CHIPS) and termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings.
Represents the interests of the public in mental health, alcohol and drug dependency commitment proceedings.
Advises and represents the Economic Support Division of the Human Services and Health Department in subrogation cases, reviews and analyzes trusts and provides advice relating to divestment issues.
Advises and represents Human Resources on employee relations or labor relations matters in the absence of the Corporation Counsel.
Advises and represents the Child Support Agency in child support and paternity cases in the absence of the Child Support Attorney.
Performs legal research and drafts briefs for Court.
Analyzes cases and recommends disposition; negotiates agreements; advises staff, drafts legal documents and pleadings including complaints, discovery documents and pretrial motions.
Attends hearings; prepares witnesses; handles jury selection; negotiates settlements.
Creates, reviews or edits contracts in which the County is a party.
Reviews claims, suits and demands. Coordinates discovery with county departments, develops litigation strategy and negotiates/analyzes settlement proposals.
Prosecutes ordinance violations.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES
Excellent problem-solving abilities.
Knowledge of County ordinances and of general municipal State, Federal statutes, common law and administrative rules and regulations; and of constitutional laws affecting County government in Wisconsin.
Knowledge of County ordinances particularly as relating to authority, functions, operations and programs within County departments.
Knowledge of principles, materials and practices necessary to conduct legal research.
Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of legal terminology, legal format, and processes.
Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes and ongoing statutory changes, procedural changes, and form changes.
Knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
Ability and skill to draft legal pleadings, briefs, opinions, and memoranda in a timely and accurate manner.
Knowledge of principles, procedures, and techniques of labor contracts and negotiations.
Knowledge of the County’s and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
Skill in analyzing complex legal information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
Ability to research and analyze complex legal information and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department-specific documents.
Ability to organize, assign, and modify the work assignment of others, and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.
Ability to cross-train, provide support and back up for co-workers.
Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
Knowledge of computer software including legal research databases, word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding confidential and sensitive files, reports, materials and conversations in compliance with applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
Work has standard vision requirements.
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.
May require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive or violent, posing threatening conditions.
Deadline Note: Open Until Filled