The individual or firm selected will be responsible for all legal matters pertaining to the County. They will provide legal advice and counsel to County staff, the Board of Commissioners, and other County boards and commissions across a wide variety of legal areas. They will also review and draft contracts, ordinances, and other documents. This role requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and local laws and court decisions that impact the County. Work requires the use of sound professional judgment in counseling and advising parties; interpreting and applying laws and regulations; giving presentations; and reading, writing, and interpreting legal documents Renders legal advice to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, Department Heads, and Staff as requested or required. Serves as legislative liaison for County with State and Federal governments. Prepares, reviews, and assists in the negotiation of ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, deeds, leases, including statutorily authorized development agreements, public-private partnerships, economic development agreements, reimbursement agreements and other legal documents for the County; reviews and offers legal advice as to the legal acceptability of such documents. Represents, at times in cooperation with other retained counsel, the County in lawsuits and administrative proceedings; prosecutes violations of the County’s code and actions to recover damages to county property. Makes major legal determinations regarding litigation, claims, leases and contracts, land titles, and related legal matters. Supervises and administers land transactions. Coordinates and works with the County Manager or his/her designee in assuring policies and ordinances are workable, enforced, and fairly implemented. Analyzes legal changes and legislation impacting the County. Conducts legal research on a variety of legal issues that may arise in areas of law including but not limited to municipal law, constitutional law, administrative law, contract law, local government law, land development regulations, zoning, and land use law, franchise law, municipal code issues regarding permitting and licensing, public safety, peace and morals, and employment law. Prepares legal guidance and reports as necessary. Addresses legal inquiries and requests for information from the public and various County officials. Works with the Human Resources Director and County Manager or his/her designee regarding personnel related matters. Provides guidance on public employment law, policy development, workers compensation, liability, FLSA, ADA, FMLA and employment separations. Pursue court-ordered compliance, injunction and abatement, and institution of civil penalties as laid out in the Pender County Unified Development Ordinance. Provides legal advice and direction based on Federal and State regulations regarding procurement matters, Requests for Proposals/Qualifications, contracts, etc. as needed, and in the best interest of the County. Ensures terms and conditions of grant agreements are acceptable and other legal implications are considered. Work with the County Board Attorney on legal matters. Performs other duties as required.
