County Attorney

VACANCY: County Attorney Salary: $136,294 - $158,396 Cayuga County, New York is seeking a skilled and service-oriented legal professional to serve as its next County Attorney, providing strategic legal counsel and leadership to a collaborative and communityfocused county government. Reporting directly to the County Legislature, the County Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the Legislature, department heads, and County leadership—overseeing all legal matters including litigation, contract review, and the drafting of local laws and policies. The County Attorney’s Office is a multifunctional office which provides counsel for defense of civil actions against Ontario County, counsel for the County’s Department of Social Services including family court and Medicare fraud, contract review and approval, risk management, policy development and implementation, and various other areas of municipal law. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Possession of a license to practice law in the State of New York  Minimum of seven (7) years in a related legal field as an attorney TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)  Serves as legal counsel for the County Legislature and department heads in the interest of the County;  Writes and reviews contracts for departments of the County proposed with outside individuals or organizations;  Appears in proceedings in Family Court, County Court and Supreme Court. May also appear or assist in State and Federal Court and Administrative proceedings;  Prepares paperwork for all assigned cases as necessary;  Interviews and prepares potential witnesses;  Researches legal issues that arise at trial, during case preparation or at the request of individuals;  Prepares subpoenas, motion papers and related documents;  May be involved in any concern of the County that requires legal judgments;  May be assigned to handle specific aspects of the Office of the County Attorney such as Family Court proceedings or the legal work of specific departments;

 May assist or participate in County Employee related matters:  Supervises the County Attorney’s support staff, which may include Assistant County Attorneys and interns;

• Prosecutes and defends all civil actions and proceedings brought by or against the county, the legislative board and any officer whose compensation is paid from county funds for any official act, unless otherwise excepted;
• Formulates and assists in implementation of county-wide polices as requested or required by regulations;
• Interprets Federal, State and local regulations and advises the Board of Legislators and other officers;
• Reviews and approves related administrative expenses;
• Supervises the staff assigned to the department;
• Reviews and assists collaborative interaction with other agencies;
• Prepares written legal memorandum and opinions as requested;
• Provides counsel to the various department heads and county agencies on a variety of topics;
• Performs other duties as assigned. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of County Law and rules;  Good knowledge of laws pertaining to contracts, petitions and other aspects of general legal work;  Good knowledge of the proceedings of criminal court, family court, administrative tribunals, commissioners' hearings, PERB hearings and other legal proceedings;  Working knowledge of parliamentary procedures;  Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;  Ability to reason quickly and accurately in stressful situations;  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;  Ability to efficiently gather facts through interview, research and investigation;  Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents;  Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner;  Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. Cayuga County is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer