POSITION SUMMARY
This position is required to handle a variety of legal issues with varying complexity and manage cases that are highly sensitive and carry a high level of liability and consequence of actions. Specifically, the Assistant County Attorney will work closely with the County Attorney and staff to oversee and handle the legal aspects of various Mecklenburg County real estate business transactions, including possible foreclosures and other litigation, to ensure all transactions are legal, binding, and in the best interest of Mecklenburg County. This position, under minimal supervision, is responsible for working with staff in all facets of the real estate acquisition or disposition process which might include due diligence, title, and survey examination, addressing zoning, land use, property development and new construction, real estate financing, foreclosure recommendation, and process, and other litigation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide legal advice to departments; apply principles of law to issues
• Perform research, course of action evaluation and risk analysis
• Advise department heads of relevant law and any new court decisions to apply to current issue or situation
• Keep abreast of applicable state and federal laws as well as administrative code provisions and new legislation and court decision
• Manage litigation for assigned County department or agency
• Provide complex legal services related to assigned County department or agency
• Participate in problem-solving on a variety of issues and special projects from the legal perspective, interpreting laws, rulings and regulations
• Review and drafts contracts and documents
• Facilitate and/or participate in trial and defense preparation, mediation, court appearances, or resolution
• Participate in the development of defense strategy, to include settlement considerations
• Review reported incidents, complaints, handles discovery requests documents, court orders and/or other information provided by the Clerk of Court, Judges, attorneys or the District Attorney’s Office
• Provide leadership, coaching and/or mentoring and instruction on law and policy or liability, as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of six years of increasingly responsible relevant experience practicing law.
Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.); graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in North Carolina.
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: No

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina's Driver's License
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain County Driving Privileges'

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working on land purchases on behalf of a government entity and/or foreclosure experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of

• North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Real estate law and real estate transactions specifically focused on North Carolina government real estate transactions.
• A knowledge of government acquisition and disposition procedures.
• Rules of evidence, civil procedures, and appellate procedures
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations
• General rules of court
• Criminal law principles
• Research methods
• Current case law and court decisions
• Mediation techniques

Skills

• Ensure that appropriate approvals and due diligence are in place before real estate transactions are executed.
• Manage statutory compliance with any transaction.
• Work with staff in all facets of the real estate acquisition or disposition process which might include due diligence, title and survey examination, addressing zoning, land use, property development and new construction, real estate financing, foreclosure recommendation and process, which includes litigation.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate
• Talking to others to convey information effectively
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

Abilities

• Draft and negotiate real estate transaction documents such as leases and easements.
• Work under time constraints and meet deadlines.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Build Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Conduct Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience
• Build Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Collaborate: Work effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communicate: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided, both verbally and in writing.
• Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Negotiate: Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties

COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.

Mecklenburg County requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for any new Mecklenburg County employees.