Deputy County Attorney

Assists the Director in coordinating, directing, and assessing the work of department staff to facilitate the achievement of departmental goals and objectives; works under the general direction of the Department Director with latitude for independent action and judgment and is evaluated on the contribution to the efficiency of the Department and the effectiveness of program goals and objectives; performs other duties as assigned.

1. Assists and works under the direction of the County Attorney in providing legal support and advice to the Commissioners of St. Mary's County;
2. Performs legal research, preparation and review of legal documents; develops, presents, and defends professional recommendations and legal opinions for review by the County Attorney on legal questions to elected, appointed officials and County staff;
3. Prepares selected cases for trial and tries cases before administrative tribunals, District Court, Circuit Court, Court of Special Appeals, and the Court of Appeals of Maryland;
4. Drafts and negotiates contracts with public and private organizations;
5. Drafts legislation, resolutions and ordinances;
6. Acts as a liaison between Federal, State, and local Governmental agencies whose policies, laws, regulations, and directives impact upon the department;
7. Establishes the operating budgets and staffing requirements; reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations regarding areas of responsibility;
8. Analyzes technical performance reports, correspondence, and contracts;
9. Provides indirect supervision for department staff and direct supervision for mid-level department managers;
10. Increases professional knowledge through attending workshops and conferences, participating in professional associations and activities, and reading professional and local publications;
11. Performs other duties as assigned

1. Ability to gain advanced knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;
2. Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary's County Government to the public;
3. Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the principles and practices of law and the ability to interpret same to staff and the public;
4. Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and court decisions affecting the practice of law at the County level;
5. Extensive knowledge of governmental fiscal policies, procedures, and legal mandates including the budget process;
6. Extensive knowledge on modern research and investigative techniques and procedures;
7. Ability to keep the Department Director and all relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate;
8. Ability to supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of diverse staff in order to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;
9. Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical and legal reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental matters;
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, associates, subordinates, representatives from other agencies, and the general public;
11. Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information retrieval;
12.  Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software.

1. Graduation from accredited law school and a member of the Maryland Bar authorized to practice law in the state of Maryland;
2. Related professional experience including trial experience;
3. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.

1. Must pass physical examination prior to employment;
2. Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results.