Assistant Corporation Counsel
Under the general direction of the Corporation Counsel, this attorney position provides civil legal services, advice and representation for Douglas County. Attorney responds to legal inquiries, rendering legal assistance and opinions to departments within Douglas County government, litigating cases and also initiates and conducts legal proceedings, drafts legal documents, and does appellate work when necessary. Concentrates practice in the area of child support, including establishment of paternity, enforcement and modification of child support orders, but also will initiate guardianships and protective placements, prosecute small claims and will represent the interests of the "public" in mental, drug and alcohol involuntary commitment cases.
Essential Duties
At the direction of the Corporation Counsel, provide a wide range of legal services and legal advice to the County Administrator, County Board of Supervisors and its committees, and County officers, departments. Perform related duties as required.
Represent the interests of the State of Wisconsin as attorney for the child support agency, including commencement and handling of legal proceedings for the establishment of paternity, child support, child support modification, review, enforcement and related issues. Initiate child and medical support actions, as well as interstate cases. Assist in preparation and review of related pleadings, stipulations, orders, warrants, petitions, summons, motions, judgments and related legal documents. Handle contempt and commitment order actions and strive to meet all Federal performance criteria to maximize federal reimbursement to the County to fund the Child Support Agency
Provide legal services and perform related duties as assigned by the Corporation Counsel, including the following:
Research and deliver legal opinions related to County/agency programs, practices, and procedures, and proposed legislative changes.
Prepare, draft, and file legal documents including pleadings, discovery, motions, judgments, appeals and related reports necessary for litigation; or drafts opinions, orders, or decisions.
Handle court appearances.
Handle appellate work which may result from legal proceedings.
Provide legal representation for County departments in state court.
Review and draft contracts and leases when the County is a party.
Draft and review County ordinances and enforce the same.
Represent the public when prosecuting involuntary mental, drug and alcohol commitments, institute guardianships, and protective placements. Advise and represent the County in all civil legal proceedings involving the County including zoning ordinance violations and public health violations.
Handle wage claims and small claims collection cases for the County and negotiates settlement terms with parties or attorneys.
Provide consultation on Wisconsin Public Records and Open Meeting laws.
Maintain confidential records and files when appropriate.
Performs other duties of similar nature or level.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an ABA accredited law school, Juris Doctor degree; State of Wisconsin Law License required, 3-5 years of active legal practice experience as a licensed attorney prior to the date of application preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in the fields of family law, administrative, mental health, guardianships, collections, open meetings and public records law, and code enforcement desired.
In evaluating candidates for this position, the County may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Valid driver's license or other reliable transportation to perform job duties plus driving record that meets County standards required.
Include cover letter and resume' with application.
Supplemental Information
Desirable Knowledge and Abilities would include:
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the Douglas County Code, Wisconsin State Statutes, the Administrative Code, applicable case law and federals laws in areas of municipal public law affecting County government and as applicable to County government, as well as the civil laws and procedures in Wisconsin. Knowledge of pertinent judicial procedures and rules of evidence. Knowledge of family, municipal, administrative, trial, guardianship, protective placement, and mental health law as set forth in Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 48, 51, 54, 55, 59, 66, and 767 or related thereto. Knowledge of the law and legal principles related to establishment of paternity and the establishment, enforcement, and revision of child support provisions in divorce, paternity, foster care, and interstate cases. Ability to work with state KIDS computer system. Ability to determine the adequacy and accuracy of pleadings, briefs, and opinions. Ability to provide reliable and sound legal counsel in the various fields of municipal law. Ability to communicate effectively both orally an in writing with a capacity for analytical thinking with the general public, judges, attorneys and their support staff, County Board Supervisors and County personnel. Knowledge of litigation procedure, technique and strategy, and legal research methodology and capacity for presenting evidence and for making written and oral arguments or presentations, at times with short notice. Ability to perform legal research and draft briefs for court and ability to appraise, organize facts and effectively present materials in written or oral form. Considerable knowledge of governmental organization, legislative procedures and judicial procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relationships.
Physical Activities/Requirements: Stooping, reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Testing Requirements: Structured interview; Background investigation.