Assistant County Attorney (Social Services) Position Available In Johnston, North Carolina

Assistant County Attorney (Social Services) 
Salary $94,814.69 – $161,184.99 Annually Location Johnston County DSS, NC Job Type Full-Time Job Number 02426 Department Social Services Opening Date 06/19/2025 Closing Date 7/18/2025 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA Exempt

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Description Johnston County is currently looking to add a full-time County Assistant Attorney (Social Services). Under the supervision of the County Attorney, the Assistant County Attorney (Social Services) provides legal representation to Johnston County agencies and various departments, including primary responsibility for providing professional legal services on behalf of Johnston County Department of Social Services (DSS). The Assistant County Attorney will advise departments in matters of law, manage assigned litigation cases, and appear in state and federal court. Independent thinking, professional judgment, initiative, and communication skills are essential in performing various duties. Work requires advanced knowledge of State laws regulating local government, state and federal constitutional law, and legal principles, precedents, and practices and their application to functions of DSS mandated services. Strong analytical skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships are required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in applying legal knowledge to specific problems. Duties and Responsibilities Represent the County in legal proceedings at all levels of state and federal courts.
Represent and advise County departments regarding legal issues.
Prepare legal pleadings to include complaints, motions, briefs, orders, and judgments, prepare appeals, render legal opinions, and appear in court as legal counsel to DSS and other county departments as directed.
Consult with opposing attorneys, consulting attorneys, staff, and outside agency representatives.
Receive and respond to legal questions and research requests from all areas of the County government.
Handle and resolve all claims involving potential legal obligations.
Review and respond to public records requests.
Perform other duties as required or assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of local and State laws and court decisions pertaining to local government.
Thorough knowledge of legal research, the investigation, preparation, and presentation of cases for trial.
Thorough knowledge of legal office procedures, practices, and methods.
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departments, Court officials, members of the bar, clients, and the general public.
Ability to handle trial litigation.
Ability to interpret and apply constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, court decisions, and other precedents.
Ability to research and analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.
Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written forms.
Ability to prepare and render legal opinions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment. Additional Duties
Attend conferences and workshops to maintain a law license in accordance with State Bar requirements.
Performs related duties as required.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering, talking, and hearing.
Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to work with data and figures, handle accounting processes, operate a computer, and complete extensive reading. Desired Education and Experience Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina. Minimum of 3 years experience as a practicing attorney with progressively responsible professional legal experience. One year equivalent experience may be granted for participation under the Student Practice Certification, North Carolina State Bar Practical Training of Law Students/Clinical Legal Education Programs.

Preferred Experience:

 Five years of experience as a practicing attorney. Preference will be given to those with experience as legal counsel in a local government setting and at least one year of litigation experience. Special Requirements A license to practice law and admission to the Bar in the State of North Carolina is required. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

NOTE:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned. If the position requires a degree, you will be required to furnish original transcripts within 30 days of hire date.
We may require a background check that may include criminal, motor vehicle, sexual offender registry, pre-employment drug screening or others based on job requirements.
Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment.
Employer
Johnston County
Department
Social Services
Address
714 North Street Smithfield, 27577