Iron County Corporation Counsel
Iron County Corporation Counsel
Application Deadline: August 30, 2024
Job Type: County – Contract position
Job Description:
Iron County seeks a dynamic and dedicated Corporation Counsel to assist our team. In this contract role, you will provide legal counsel as needed across a broad spectrum of business disciplines, safeguard the county’s interests, and ensure the county operations comply with State and Federal mandates.
As Iron County Corporation Counsel, you will:
• Offer strategic legal advice to the county board, committees, and departments.
• Navigate complex legal landscapes to protect and advance Iron County’s objectives.
This is more than a job; it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on our community. Your guidance will be integral in shaping the future of Iron County’s governmental operations, programs, and services.
We invite you to apply and join us in our mission to serve with integrity and excellence.
**The anticipated start date for this role is December 2024**
Primary Responsibilities:
The following duties are essential for this contract position. The powers and duties of the corporation counsel are set forth in Section 59.42 Wisconsin Statutes. To be qualified for the position, the applicant is expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully. Other duties may be required and assigned. Subject to the general supervision of the County Board, this position acts as Corporation Counsel and is responsible, up to the limits set by law, ordinance, and policy, for:
• Assisting the Board with hiring and disciplinary issues; planning future activities of the County; meeting the required legal reporting obligations of the County and implementing an effective file/information system; maintaining clear and effective communications; and enforcing County policies and ordinances.
• Providing legal advice and services to the County Board and its committees, elected county officials and department heads, and interpreting the authority, duties, and powers of each under state and federal law and county ordinances.
• Serving as legal advisor to all County departments and committees, drafting required legal papers, and attending to legal matters in and out of court where such departments or committees may be interested parties.
• Advising department heads and the County Board on labor contract interpretations and personnel matters.
• Drafting and/or reviewing all contracts in which the County and any of its agencies are a party prior to signature by appropriate County officials.
• Representing the County, its officials, and its employees in all civil actions under the jurisdiction of the county, which includes pretrial preparation, conduct of trial, and appeals in State and Federal courts.
• Drafting resolutions and ordinances for consideration by the County Board of Supervisors; reviewing all proposed ordinances and resolutions for legal sufficiency and form prior to submission to committees and the County Board; appearing at all County Board meetings and, on request, explaining the contents of resolutions and ordinances.
• Providing policy direction to the County Board and its committees when requested; monitoring state and federal law and legislative and judicial developments; and recommending appropriate policy positions and changes in the best interest of Iron County.
• Serving upon request as parliamentarian for the County Board of Supervisors, which includes interpretation and explanation of County Board rules and Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Maintaining files, reports, and documents; assisting in all other legal matters as instructed by the County Board.
• Performing special assignments and duties at the request of the County Board.
• Reviewing claims, suits, and demands against the County; coordinating litigation discovery and evidence preservation with County departments.
• Performing related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience:
• Law Degree from an accredited law school, plus two years of legal practice experience preferably including municipal law experience.
• Working knowledge of transactional law, mental health law, and child support law is desirable, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Licenses and Certifications:
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
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 sources of legal reference.
• Ability to obtain and maintain efficient performance of job tasks relating to municipal law.
• Ability to understand and apply legal principles and to communicate to decision-makers.
• 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and proposed contract services engagement letter via email to:
brandtc@ironcountywi.org
Deadline Note: August 30, 2024 or until filled.