Job DescriptionImportant Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Flexible Level Hiring: This position may be filled at the Assistant County Attorney II or I level, depending on the candidate's qualifications. Please refer to the salary information listed under Additional Information for details.
Arlington County Attorney's Office is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to join our team. The selected candidate will provide legal services across a wide variety of local government law areas. Responsibilities will include litigation in general district courts and circuit and federal courts with supervision. Additional responsibilities will include FOIA and subpoena work and other legal matters as assigned. This role operates with some supervision but requires comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of Virginia law as it relates to general and local government, as well as federal laws and regulations and their relationship to the authority and functions of county government.
ResponsibilitiesAdditional responsibilities for this position include:
- Providing interpretation of County, Department, and Division policies and procedures;
- Managing and conducting litigation on behalf of the County, ensuring thorough preparation and effective representation;
- Negotiating settlements and contractual terms, and proposing, evaluating, and recommending settlement offers to the County Attorney, County Board, and relevant County staff for matters resolved outside of litigation;
- Providing legal review and advice to the County's departments and employees and acting in an advisory capacity at meetings of the County Board and County Commissions;
- Representing the County and its employees in litigation or assigning the matter to an Assistant County Attorney or outside counsel; and
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, staff, and the public.
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- Thorough knowledge of Virginia and federal law and the County's policies and procedures;
- Reading comprehension to read complex legal materials;
- Writing skills to compose and edit reports, proposals, procedures, policies, recommendations, etc.;
- Interpersonal skills to resolve complaints, serve as a liaison, and speak in public; and
- Problem-solving skills to define problems and collect relevant information to recommend policy solutions.
QualificationsSelection Criteria County Attorney I:Minimum Qualifications:- Education: Completion of the requirements for graduation with a JD from an accredited law school.
- Experience: Some legal experience is preferred.
- Licenses/Certifications: License to practice law in Virginia and active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar are required. An applicant who is not licensed in Virginia at the time of hire must be eligible to become licensed and must obtain the required Virginia license and active Bar membership within eight months of hire. Continued employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining the required license and membership.
County Attorney II: Minimum Qualifications- Education: Completion of the requirements for graduation with a JD from an accredited law school.
- Experience: Progressively responsible experience practicing law involving moderately complex and non-routine legal matters preferably performing trial ligation and/or real estate law.
- Licenses/Certifications: License to practice law in Virginia and active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar are required. An applicant who is not licensed in Virginia at the time of hire must be eligible to become licensed and must obtain the required Virginia license and active Bar membership within eight months of hire. Continued employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining the required license and membership.
Desirable for both Assistant County Attorney II and I: Preference will be given to applicants with the following:
- Handling litigation related to local government; and/or
- Previous employment with a Virginia city or county government.
Special RequirementsA letter of application is required. Please submit a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how your education, training, and experience meet the Selection Criteria, including the Minimum and Desirable Qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
Your letter should be specific about your roles and responsibilities in relevant positions and identify the employer(s) where this experience was obtained.
Additional InformationWork Hours: The position operates from Monday through Friday with additional commitments required on certain nights and weekends. This includes responsibilities such as attending Board and commission meetings and occasionally covering a Board meeting independently.
Please Note: The position grade and salary to be commensurate with experience. The salary listed on top of the announcement is for a County Attorney II.
The salary range for a County Attorney I is $101,108.80 - $156,728.00 Annually
Other: - The chosen candidate will be required to fill out a SOEI form.
Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County's generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
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