Assistant County Attorney

Frederick County Government is seeking an entry‑level Assistant County Attorney I to join our dedicated legal team. In this professional role, you will provide essential legal support to County departments, boards, commissions, and operational staff. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in public sector law while working alongside experienced attorneys.As an Assistant County Attorney I, you will manage a portfolio of routine to moderately complex legal matters under close to moderate supervision. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting legislation and standard legal documents, assisting with litigation preparation, and supporting senior attorneys on more advanced assignments. You will exercise sound professional judgment within established legal frameworks, policies, and precedents, with guidance and review provided by senior legal staff. Supervision is provided by a Senior Assistant County Attorney or the County Attorney's designee.NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGEFrederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full‑time benefited Frederick County Government employee.11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high‑deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible SpendingEmployee Health Center with no or low‑cost primary and urgent care100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefitCounty and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension PlanVesting after 5 years of serviceAdditional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness ProgramGenerous Tuition Reimbursement ProgramOther employee‑paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care planNOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.RESPONSIBILITIESProvide opinions and advice to Commissions, Boards, and DepartmentsCoordinate and advise on responses to Maryland Public Information Act requestsPerform legal research and analysisDraft laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulationsAttend meetings of County boards, commissions, departments, and agenciesEvaluate legal matters and prepare, negotiate, or try cases on behalf of the County, ensuring thorough case analysis, effective representation, and adherence to all applicable laws and proceduresMaintain proficiency in substantive areas of law through research and continuing educationRespond to citizen inquiriesPrepare for litigation at various Court levelsNegotiate and mediate disputed claimsPerform other related duties as requiredTo perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.QUALIFICATIONSJuris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law schoolMinimum of 3 years of practicing attorney experienceAdmission to the Maryland Bar (Licensed Attorney in Maryland)KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESKnowledge of statutes, ordinances and state and federal laws and regulationsKnowledge of legal research methods, principles, and proceduresKnowledge of laws, regulations, and requirements regarding the practice of law, with the ability to abide by themStrong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, with the ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy and competence in dealing with Judges, attorneys, court personnel and the publicAbility to maintain good standing and licensure/authorization to practice law in the State of MarylandAbility to make quick and well‑reasoned case decisions under pressured circumstancesAbility to research, interpret, and apply law to factsAbility to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writingAbility to organize work and manage timeAbility to exercise discretion in working with sensitive informationPREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:Governmental or administrative law experiencePHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONSWhile working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sitWhile working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoorsFailure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including terminationAvailable for evening and weekend work hours when required for special meetings and programsEXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):An evaluation of training and experienceOne or more interviews#J-18808-Ljbffr