Senior Assistant County Attorney

This position provides first-line supervision of Assistant County Attorneys in the Personnel Law Subsection related to administrative, advisory and/or litigation functions for Personnel matters including but not limited to, employment law, workers' compensation claims, alleged federal civil rights violations, personal injury, property damage, conflict of interest inquiries, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practices. Personally handles major litigation in a first or second chair capacity in those areas of law. Drafts and reviews legal memoranda, ordinances, memoranda of understanding, and agency policies. Has significant personal interaction with members of the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive, department heads, division directors, and human resources managers. Performs related work as required, including administrative tasks. Works under the general supervision of the Deputy County Attorney for the Personnel, Behavioral & Human Services Section.

Note: Applicants must include a writing sample attached to their application to receive full consideration.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of the sources of legal reference;
Knowledge of the principles and practices of law;
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and court decisions affecting the practice of law at the County level;
Knowledge of Fairfax County ordinances and resolutions;
Ability to analyze facts and reach logical conclusions;
Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to plan, assign and review the work of subordinate attorneys;
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, county employees and officials, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar. Eight years of experience in the practice of civil law, including three years in municipal or local government, or specific relevant practice area.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Virginia State Bar License in Good Standing (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.
• The appointee to the position must complete a Statement of Economic Interest form prior to starting work.
• All positions allocated to the County Attorney series are under the Fairfax County Merit System of personnel administration and are limited to full-time employment and preclude the private practice of law. However, the phrase “private practice of law” does not include the provision of pro bono public legal services in a pro-bono legal services program approved by the County Attorney and in accordance with the policy of the County Attorney governing participation in an approved program.

• Strong writing skills and experience writing briefs in state and federal courts at the trial court and appellate court levels.
• Experience with jury trials.
• Demonstrated proficiency in building and maintaining exceptional working relationships with co-workers and clients and in effectively working to identify solutions to difficult legal issues.
• Prior supervisory experience managing litigating attorneys across a variety of legal practice areas.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314.DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.govEEO/AA/TTY.