County Attorney

New Kent County Government in Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for the position of County Attorney.

The County Attorney is appointed by and reports to the Board of Supervisors.  The County Attorney supervises and manages the work of staff in the County Attorney’s Office and any outside legal counsel providing services to the clients of the Office.

This is the chief legal advisor for New Kent County.  The County Attorney provides or oversees the provision of legal services and counsel to the Board of Supervisors, County Administration and all County departments, and other boards, commissions and agencies of the County and performs related work as required.  The County Attorney also offers a full range of legal services to the Constitutional Officers of New Kent County. 

Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provides legal representation and counsel to the Board of Supervisors, School Board, County and School Officials and department and Constitutional Officers.
• Provides oral and written opinions on legal matters as requested by clients.
• Represents clients of the Office in litigation, including appeals, in state and federal courts.
• Represents clients of the office before administrative agencies and tribunals, such as the Virginia Employment Commission.
• Prepares or reviews legal documents required for County business.
• Advises on the purchase, sale, exchange or leasing of properties and prepares or reviews associated documents.
• Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and other boards, commissions, and authorities.
• Prepares or approves County ordinances and initiates civil actions necessary to enforce ordinances in court.
• Prepares and supports proposed legislation in the General Assembly and advocates for or against other legislation affecting the County or local governments generally; communicates as necessary with the County’s congressional delegation.
• Supervises the work of the County Attorney’s office and of outside legal counsel.
• Performs other related work, as required.

The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of general and governmental law and of Virginia and federal laws and regulations and their relationship to the authority and functions of local governments and School Boards; the ability to interpret and apply legal principles and knowledge to complex legal problems; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials and the general public; sound professional judgment; effective oral advocacy skills, demonstrated legal research skills; ability to supervise effectively.

Education and experience requirements:

Graduation from an accredited school of law with a minimum ten years of relevant legal experience and five years supervisory experience is required. Must be a member in good standing of the Virginia Bar. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training may be considered.

Physical conditions and nature of work contacts:

The work is typically performed in a seated position in an office setting where no hazardous conditions are prevalent. Frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping and some lifting of light objects is required.  Frequent sustained operation of office equipment is required.  Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which includes a computer, printer, calculator, etc.  Occasional travel by air or motor vehicle to attend meetings is required.