SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY, APPOINTED

UNCLASSIFIED EXEMPT POSITION

CURRENT VACANCY IN THE FULTON COUNTY STATE COURT Please refrains from attaching personal and identifiable information: Driver’s License, Photo on Resumes, DD214, Vaccination cards, etc.

CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A RESUME AND REFERENCES WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS.

Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctorate degree and three or more years of experience practicing law (at least one year lead or supervisory experience is preferred).

Specific License or Certification Required: Member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia. Other such memberships and licenses that may be required to perform the assigned tasks. Valid State of Georgia Driver's License (as required by position assignment).

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Requires knowledge of state, federal, and local laws related to the type of law practiced in the assigned department. Standard courtroom operating practices and procedures. Methods used to conduct legal research. County personnel regulations and procedures. Legal practices and procedures related to area of assignment. General office practices, procedures, equipment, and technology.

Requires skill in performing legal case management and research. Preparing and tabulating information pertaining to legal case activity. Assisting in determining which cases to litigate or appeal. Developing or evaluating a strategy for handling legal cases or negotiations as assigned. Providing legal advice and opinions. Using spreadsheet, database, word processing, presentation, and other software. Drafting legal documents. Conducting legal research. Facilitating the orderly movement of litigations or appeals. Organizing the presentation of legal cases. Giving presentations. Identifying and investigating facts of a legal matter. Resolving problems using negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. Making decisions. Understanding, using, and explaining Court-specific computer applications to manage court processes, gather and analyze statistics, and create reports. Communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisor, and the public. Generating enthusiasm and support for program objectives.

Veterans’ Preference: Qualifying veterans will be given preference in the form of a guaranteed invitation to interview for any position to which they applied and have been found to have met the minimum qualifications. Veterans’ preference provides for hiring preference on initial appointment only. To see the full Fulton County Veterans’ Preference Policy and Procedure, please click here.

EXAMINATION: The examination will consist of a review of education and experience, accomplished by analysis of the application. Application must document that the applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education and experience as listed to be rated as eligible. If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required, at time of employment, for all degrees/course work used to qualify for this position.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL BEFORE THEY ARE SUBMITTED. PLEASE REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS FOR ACCURACY AND MAKE ALL CORRECTIONS BEFORE SUBMITTAL BECAUSE ERRORS CAN RESULT IN NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT. Purpose of Classification: Provides legal advice and makes recommendations to the judge on legal, procedural, and strategic issues in pending cases and manages caseloads to ensure the expeditious, just and fair resolution of pending litigation.

Essential Functions: This job description indicates, in general, the nature and level of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Analyzes and evaluates potential legal issues that may arise at trial and advises the Judge on his/her decision regarding the admissibility of evidence, motions for mistrial, motions for directed verdict, and witness objections. Reviews new laws and any developments in or changes to case law or statutes and keeps Judicial officer informed. Conducts conferences with attorneys/litigants to resolve pre-trial issues, including discovery disputes, discovery extension requests, and various disagreements among counsel of record. May mediate and conduct settlement conferences for cases at pre-trial stage in an effort resolve litigation. Drafts legal memoranda, orders, bench briefs, legal opinions, judgments from pre-trial to post-trial matters. Conducts in-depth research and analysis and provides legal advice to judges and assigned staff. Makes recommendations regarding procedural matters and case resolution. Monitors court hearings and analyzes verbal orders issued by assigned judge to determine whether the orders are procedurally and legally correct. Evaluates and prepares jury charges conducts jury charge conferences with attorneys to determine appropriate charges to be given to the jury. Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as required.

For Applicants With Prior Military Service: We strongly encourage veterans, prior military and transitioning service members to apply. Many of the competencies and transferable skills developed through military service directly support success in this role, including: Leadership Under Pressure:• Provides steady, principled decision-making in high-stakes or time-sensitive legal matters.

• Guides colleagues, junior attorneys, and stakeholders during crises or emerging litigation concerns.
• Balances competing priorities while maintaining professionalism and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates composure when managing sensitive public-sector issues or interacting with elected officials.

Operational Planning and Execution:• Develops and implements legal strategies that align with departmental and county objectives.

• Manages caseloads efficiently, ensuring deadlines, filings, and compliance requirements are met.
• Coordinates across agencies, courts, and external partners to keep legal operations running smoothly.
• Translates complex legal mandates into actionable operational plans for internal teams.

Adaptability and Rapid Problem Solving:• Quickly evaluates evolving legal situations and adjusts strategies accordingly.

• Responds effectively to unexpected case developments, policy changes, or urgent requests from leadership.
• Applies analytical thinking to interpret laws, anticipate risks, and craft innovative legal solutions.
• Works confidently across diverse subject-matter areas (e.g., employment, contracts, public policy, litigation).

Team Cohesion and Communication:• Communicates legal concepts clearly to non-legal personnel, including county staff and leadership.

• Promotes collaborative relationships among attorneys, investigators, administrators, and external partners.
• Facilitates alignment across departments to ensure consistent interpretation and application of legal guidance.
• Provides constructive feedback, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen team capability.

Safety and Risk Awareness:• Identifies legal exposure and proactively recommends risk-mitigation strategies.

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing county operations.
• Protects organizational interests by conducting thorough legal reviews and advising on safe operational practices.
• Maintains discretion and safeguards sensitive information related to public officials and county matters.

Technical and Equipment Proficiency:• Uses legal research databases, case-management systems, and government software tools efficiently.

• Prepares, reviews, and manages electronic documentation, filings, and evidence systems.
• Leverages digital tools for legal analysis, discovery, workflow management, and communication.
• Understands courtroom technology, presentation tools, and secure information-handling systems.

Performance Metrics Factor 1: Decision-Making Interpretive: There is choice in determining the tactical plans, processes, budget, and staffing to achieve objectives established by a higher management level. Establishes what is to be done in similar circumstances in the future. Results will be applied by other courts.

Factor 2: Complexity Strategic: Develops guidelines to implement a program(s) that maintain the agency's mission.

Factor 3: Purpose of Contact Negotiate/Defend: Purpose is to defend, argue, or justify an agency's position as an official representative in formal hearings or court

Factor 4: Line/Staff Authority Staff Authority: Influence is through direct impact within agency boundaries. It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, genetics, age, disability or sexual orientation.