MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 7905
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

COUNTY ATTORNEY

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is executive level work directing the operation of the County Attorney's Office. Contacts are with high ranking legislative and executive officials within County Government, Federal, State and County Courts, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, attorneys, and private sector and community organizations or groups. The purposes of the contacts include presenting, justifying and defending controversial positions where conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable compromises.

The employee in this class plans, develops, implements, and evaluates a program that provides legal services to the County Executive, County Council, all departments and agencies of the County Government, and governmental jurisdictions participating in the Risk Management Program, and defends or prosecutes all litigation to which the County or its officials are parties. As the chief legal officer of Montgomery County, the County Attorney: provides legal advice through oral and written opinions; drafts, reviews, and approves as to form and legality all County contracts and leases; handles the legal aspects of the County's real property acquisition program, including condemnation and property settlement; and represents the County in litigation regarding such issues as taxes, worker's compensation, contracts and claims, challenges to County laws, and appeals from administrative proceedings. The work is performed under broadly defined missions and functions and general administrative direction. The employee exercises full and final accountability for all matters associated with completing work assignments including determining the work to be performed and the methods used. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and evaluated in terms of the County Attorney's role in protecting and facilitating County operations. Guidelines consist of broad policy directives and basic legislation and require the employee to use considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the guidelines and generating specific policies and guidance for use by subordinate managers in handling various aspects of the County's legal matters. The complexity of the work is reflected in the need for planning, directing and integrating a legal services program dealing with a broad range of governmental functions, programs and services. The work requires consideration of all aspects of County Government programs and operations, and development of solutions which accommodate conflicting objectives from a variety of organizations, groups and individuals. The work of directing the County's legal services program is essential to the mission of the County Government and affects all departments, agencies, and programs of the County Government. The work is primarily sedentary, performed in a typical office setting, and subject to common everyday risks.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Handles issues regarding condemnation, planning and zoning, water and sewer, leasing and disposition of property.
Provides defense representation to the Self Insurance Risk Management Fund.
Handles discrimination litigation against the County on the basis of age, handicap, national origin, race, religion or sex.
Pursues the collection of monies due the County through taxes, fees, or other sources.
Uses both criminal and civil legal proceedings to achieve compliance with County codes and regulations.
Pursues subrogation claims on behalf of the County.
Provides support in drafting and implementing procurement procedures.
Performs other related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience practicing law, including trial experience, with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory capacity which included responsibility for fund and budget administration, program planning, implementation and administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited university school of law.
Equivalency: None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the provisions of Maryland law.
Extensive knowledge of local government functions and organizations.
Skill in planning, developing, implementing and administering a legal services program dealing with various governmental functions and programs.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups and organizations.
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop defenses of, and justifications for, decisions reached.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other governmental and bi county agencies.
Ability to attend meetings and perform work assignments at locations outside the office.

LICENSE: Membership in the Maryland State Bar.

MEDICAL GROUP: Medical History Review.

Class Revised: July, 1987
December, 2002