Deputy General Counsel - Association County Commissioners of GA

Location: Hybrid: must be available to work in the ACCG Headquarters Office and at the Georgia State Capitol as needed and assigned

General Definition of Work

• Performs difficult professional work providing legal advice and representation to the Association, its divisions and subsidiary boards, providing training and preparing reference materials to counties and county officials regarding legal and non-legal matters, provides advisory services to county attorneys, advocates for county governments, supports policy/legislative functions of the Association, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the General Counsel.
• Supports the Association's "Four Pillars," civic engagement, leadership development, legislative advocacy, and membership services through development of programs, policies and actions which further the Association's position on legislative and legal issues affecting County government; has knowledge of and general understanding of the programs and services offered by the Association, and provides outstanding customer support that reflects well on the entire Association.
• Provides and exhibits outstanding customer service, teamwork, and organizational commitment.
• Provides legal advice and representation to all divisions, programs and subsidiary boards of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia as assigned by General Counsel.
• Exhibits an advanced level of knowledge in data security and privacy, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA").
• Reviews contracts for Association, as assigned by General Counsel.
• Manages the full scope of work execution, including scheduling and research.
• Provides legal and non-legal technical assistance to county attorneys.
• Prepares, updates and reviews reference guides on legal issues, model ordinances, resolutions and other forms for county officials.
• Monitors, reviews, analyzes, summarizes, comments and reports on legislation at the state and federal level to determine impact on counties.
• Assists legislative staff in summarizing bills and preparing policy briefs supporting or opposing legislation.
• Reviews and drafts proposed bills, resolutions, amendments, and substitutes.
• Attends legislative and policy meetings and/or hearings as required; represents the Association and provides testimony.
• Researches state and federal policy issues impacting counties; advocates the Association platform to the Georgia General Assembly, state agencies and various other groups as assigned; engages in testimony and public speaking to advance Association policy and good government.
• Arranges, staffs, moderates and/or speaks at issue seminars for the Association.
• Organizes and provides continuing legal education for local government attorneys.
• Provides education on local government law issues for various county officials and/or related groups.
• Writes articles for ACCG publications, as assigned.
• Prepares, reviews or edits amicus curiae briefs on issues involving County government.
• Assists in the development of Legal Services Division webpage, communications, etc.
• Assists in the mentoring of Staff Attorneys.
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment.
• Supports the overall organization by executing the directives as set forth by the Association.
• Performs related tasks as required.
• Requires occasional overnight travel.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of government law, including such subject matter as contracts, civil rights, administrative processes, employment or tax law, and real property;
• comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal laws and court decisions affecting local government and authorities;
• general knowledge of the Official Code of Georgia, state and federal rules and regulations;
• understanding of and ability to apply the State Bar of Georgia's ethics and disciplinary rules;
• comprehensive knowledge of legal office procedures and practices;
• skill in the use of standard office software applications, specifically Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word and Excel;
• ability to plan, organize and direct effective legislative advocacy and intergovernmental programs;
• ability to effectively present complex ideas both orally and in writing and to develop consensus and support;
• ability to plan, organize and direct the work of subordinate employees;
• ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, elected and appointed officials, local government staff, consultants, media representatives and the general public.

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate and considerable experience in local or state government, nonprofit and/or transactional law, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of appropriate licensure from the State Bar of Georgia.
• Possession of or ability to acquire admission to practice in the State and Federal appellate courts within six months of employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain certification as a Lobbyist in the State of Georgia.
• May be required to sign a non-compete agreement upon hire.
• Valid driver's license in the State of Georgia.

Notice: ACCG employees must have a primary residence within the state of Georgia. In addition, employment candidates are subject to a background screening in compliance with established ACCG background check procedures.