Assistant General Counsel

Reporting directly to the General Counsel of the Williamson County Commissioners Court, responsible providing legal representation to the Commissioners Court, governmental departments serving under the Court and, periodically, various Williamson County elected and appointed officials. Representation includes but is not limited to a variety of local government law areas such as litigation, transactional, and open governmental matters affecting and concerning Williamson County.

• Provides legal representation to defend Williamson County and/or Williamson County officials in tort, civil rights, employment, and other litigation in State and Federal courts, including conducting discovery/depositions, trials and appeals
• Provides legal representation to Williamson County as plaintiff or claimant in civil actions or claims for damages or monetary recovery, including contract matters and contract litigation, as well as other litigation in State and Federal courts, including the drafting of petitions and conducting discovery/depositions, trials and appeals
• Consults with the Williamson County Commissioners Court on proposed claims resolutions and communicates with claimants or attorneys representing claimants regarding claims, lawsuits and demands
• Performs sophisticated legal research and prepares high priority legal opinions on complex legal issues for the Williamson County Commissioners Court
• Periodically acts as a liaison between the Williamson County Commissioners Court, Williamson Countys outside counsel and Williamson Countys insurance carriers
• Periodically attends regular and confidential executive sessions of the Williamson County Commissioners Court and provides legal opinions and advice on parliamentary procedure, contemplated actions, and implementation of policy and agenda for the Williamson County Commissioners Court
• Assists with providing legal advice and assistance on open government matters (Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Public Information Act), including the drafting of legal briefs and requests for rulings to the Attorney General of Texas
• Assists with providing legal oversight and advice to the Williamson County Purchasing Department relating to procurement issues, laws, and requirements, as well as providing legal review of Williamson County bids and requests for proposals and qualifications
• Assists with drafting, reviewing, revising, and negotiating contracts to which Williamson County is a party to including county roads, parks and building construction contracts; professional services agreements for architectural, engineering, surveying, and consulting services; purchase agreements for services and goods; inter local agreements between a multitude of federal, state, and local entities, etc.
• Research, reviews, drafts, analyzes, and amends current policies; assists with implementation, advises on, and assists with civil enforcement of policies, regulations and resolutions adopted by or to be recommended for adoption by the Williamson County Commissioners Court
• Assists with providing legal counsel to Williamson County Benefits Committee

• Attends and assists with the Williamson County Contracts Committee and participates in the on-going Contract Management Initiative of the Purchasing Department
• Reviews applications for pauper burials, prepares orders for Commissioners Court
• Conducts legal research and analysis in preparation for legal opinions to the Williamson County Commissioners Court and Williamson County officials upon request, including but not limited to research and analysis of employment/personnel issues, confidential documents and sensitive materials to be deliberated or used by the Williamson County Commissioners Court, state, local and federal legal matters, and public policy matters
• Provides legal advice and counsel as a confidential trusted advisor to the Williamson County Commissioners Court regarding legal inquiries submitted by public individual and entities to members of the Williamson County Commissioners Court and on legal authority and duties of the Williamson County Commissioners Court
• Assists the Williamson County Office of Emergency Management during emergency and disaster situations
• Communicates frequently with the Commissioners Court members and other elected and appointed Williamson County officials, department heads and employees, attorneys, and opposing attorneys
• Corresponds and communicates orally, in writing and by electronic mail, with Williamson County elected and appointed officials, employees, and citizens
• Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to General Counsel of the Williamson County Commissioners Court
• Direct Reports No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position involves prolonged sitting at a desk or other workstation, standing, reading, visual examination of documents, speaking, reaching, walking, twisting, bending and repetitivemotions

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
• Some travel between work sites as required
• High stress, high pressure of deadlines, and case management under limited time constraints

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency
• Regular attendance is required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school and four (4) years of experience as an attorney in the practice of law for a county, municipality, or state governmental agency OR five (5) years of experience as an attorney in general civil, litigation and transactional law
• Comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of county, municipal, state, federal and common law, including their relationship to the authority and functions of a Texas county government
• Working knowledge of Westlaw, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential to effectively and objectively advise and/or interact with personnel, external agencies, and outside legal counsel on legal matters

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• State Bar of Texas
  • No prior history of disciplinary sanctions issued by any state bar association

Required within thirty (30) days of employment

• Valid drivers license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience with public sector litigation, with litigation relating to Texas counties
• Seven (7) years of experience representing governing bodies of local Texas governments, with representation of Texas commissioners courts or city councils
• Seven (7) years of civil litigation experience, including trial experience and/or appellate work
• Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
• Previous experience handling Texas Public Information Act matters and Texas Open Meetings Act matters
• A clear knowledge and understanding of contractual principals and theory with previous experience handling transactional matters for a local government, with such experience with Texas counties or municipalities being preferred

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
• Drug screening: No
• Physical exam: No
• Psychological exam: No
• Additional: N/A

A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone ... or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources .

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.