Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services is hiring for an Attorney II position. This position will be a litigation-focused role, reporting directly to the Supervising Attorney, with an assigned caseload and designated court weeks. Typical tasks for the role include conducting litigation, drafting legal documents, and fielding questions from Social Workers.

The schedule is 8AM – 5PM Monday through Friday, with occasional on-call requirements. This position is located at the Buncombe County Courthouse and does allow for a hybrid in-person/remote option, consistent with Buncombe County’s remote policy.

This position will include drafting legal documents, representing the Agency through court proceedings, advising and advocating for clients, and conducting some appellate work. Our team is comprised of a Supervising Attorney, 3 Staff Attorney IIs, one Staff Attorney I, and support staff that assist with document preparation and additional services.

This position will be filled as soon as practical, with the goal of having the candidate ready to take over with their assigned judge upon hiring.

We are looking for someone who holds a Juris Doctor degree, is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, and has litigation experience. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with the Juvenile Code.

This job is posted until filled and could come down at any time. If you are interested, apply today!

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to serve as legal counsel and provide a full range of legal services for cases associated with the Department of Social Services of Buncombe County. 

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):
Graduation from a recognized school of law and at least one (1) year of professional legal experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Training and Experience:
Experience in the general practice of law with trial experience; Experience in family and juvenile law preferred. 

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:
Possession of a license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Prepare for and conduct complex courtroom and administrative litigation, negotiate settlements, and prepare legal opinions on rules and operations of the Social Work Division.
• Manage Juvenile Court caseload.
• Prepare for and conduct complex appellate litigation.
• Prepare legal documents such as petitions, motions, and appeals.
• Draft court orders and/or oversee the drafting of orders by Paralegal staff.
• Provide training to staff regarding court processes/procedures.  
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of state and federal law and regulations pertaining to Social Services. 
• Thorough knowledge of the principals and procedures of civil law, especially as related to child protective services and adult protective services. 
• Thorough knowledge of the functions and powers of the Health and Human Services Board.
• Considerable knowledge of legal research and investigation methodology, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. 
• General knowledge of County government structures and operations.
• Skill in preparing and presenting court cases.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and court decisions; and to use legal source materials and technical research.
• Ability to communicate effectively with citizens, employees, and County officials both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, legal briefs, petitions, motions, and other documents and conform to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.