County Attorney, Cayuga County

Salary: $140,000 - $158,396

Cayuga County, New York is seeking a skilled and service-oriented legal professional to serve as its next County Attorney, providing strategic legal counsel and leadership to a collaborative and community-focused county government.

Reporting directly to the County Legislature, the County Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the Legislature, department heads, and County leadership—overseeing all legal matters including litigation, contract review, and the drafting of local laws and policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a license to practice law in the State of New York
• Minimum of seven (7) years in a related legal field as an attorney

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Serves as legal counsel for the County Legislature and department heads in the interest of the County;
• Writes and reviews contracts for departments of the County proposed with outside individuals or organizations;
• Appears in proceedings in County Court and Supreme Court. May also appear or assist in State and Federal Court and Administrative proceedings;
• Interviews and prepares potential witnesses;
• Researches legal issues that arise at trial, during case preparation or at the request of individuals;
• Prepares subpoenas, motion papers and related documents;
• May be involved in any concern of the County that requires legal judgments;
• May assist or participate in County Employee related matters:
• Supervises the County Attorney’s support staff
• Formulates and assists in implementation of county-wide polices as requested or required by regulations;
• Interprets Federal, State and local regulations and advises the Board of Legislators and other officers;
• Reviews and approves related administrative expenses;
• Reviews and assists collaborative interaction with other agencies;
• Prepares written legal memorandum and opinions as requested;
• Provides counsel to the various department heads and county agencies on a variety of topics;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Thorough knowledge of County Law and rules;
• Good knowledge of laws pertaining to contracts, petitions and other aspects of general legal work;
• Good knowledge of the proceedings of criminal court, family court, administrative tribunals, commissioners' hearings, PERB hearings and other legal proceedings;
• Working knowledge of parliamentary procedures;
• Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to reason quickly and accurately in stressful situations;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to efficiently gather facts through interview, research and investigation;
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents;
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

How to Apply:

Point of Contact – Diann Ferris, HR Administrator

Physical/Mailing Address – 160 Genesee Street, Auburn NY 13021

Email Address – CivilService@cayugacounty.us

Phone Number – 315-253-1480

Link to website:  Cayuga County Civil Service Employment Portal