Deputy County Solicitor

The Deputy County Solicitor is responsible for providing legal opinions, advice and assistance to the County Solicitor, the County Commissioners, and County departments.  May provide supervision and guidance to county agencies and staff, as assigned. 

A criminal background check is required. 

• Provide verbal and written legal opinions and advice regarding compliance with laws, regulations, and County policy.
• Extensive review and drafting of contracts and agreements to identify issues, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and negotiate terms.
• Review and draft Resolutions and Ordinances.
• Conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues, including, but not limited to, municipal law(s), Federal and State statutes/laws/regulations.
• Serve as a resource for management/departments with respect to legal matters and policy, statutory, and regulatory interpretation.
• Identify laws that protect information and draft responses to subpoenas and Right to Know Law requests/appeals.
• Assess departmental policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance and ensuring compliance and compatibility with the County Employee Handbook.
• Provide drafts of new and revised County policies as needed.
• Provide legal representation when necessary in administrative, Magisterial District, Common Pleas, Pennsylvania Appellate, and Federal Courts.
• Draft pleadings in local, state, and federal litigations. 
• Occasionally argue motions and conduct legal proceedings in court.
• Other duties, tasks and special projects, as required by the Solicitor’s Office.

• Independently plan and carry out work assignments and/or projects.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.       

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• PA bar admission in good standing.
• License to practice law in PA.
• Highly skilled in applying legal principles.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Ability to attend and professionally represent the County in various court appearances.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to coordinate and direct work assignments.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Ability to interface with all levels of county management.
• Intermediate skill to use a personal computer and various software packages, including Adobe.
• Knowledge and skill with standard office equipment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

 Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Five years of experience practicing civil law in Pennsylvania preferred.
• Familiarity with Chester County Court processes and procedures preferred. 
• Admission to practice in Federal Courts preferred.
• Strong professional ethics; demonstrated integrity and honesty.
• Ability to bring any concerns or complaints to the County Solicitor.          
• Ability to listen effectively so that concerns can be efficiently addressed by the County Solicitor. 
• High degree of patience and skill needed for handling difficult situations.       
• Knowledge of electoral process, as well as roles and interactions of local, state and federal government.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Flexibility.
• Proactive.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have: 

• Advanced Word skills
• Advanced Excel skills
• Advanced Access skills
• Advanced PowerPoint skills
• Advanced Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Advanced Adobe Acrobat skills

 Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, and talk or hear.  Occasionally, the employee will need to walk, and drive a personal vehicle.  On rare occasions, the employee will need to stand; reach or work with arms above shoulder height; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; crawl; climb stairs; lift and carry items; and use senses to taste or smell.

There are no specific vision requirements listed for this position.

 Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.   There are times when the work environment will be in a public forum and the noise level will increase due to the presence of many people.

 Other:

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• This position requires professionalism.
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.