Frederick County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as County Attorney. The County Attorney, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, supervises the legal affairs of the County and represents the County in legal matters. The former County Attorney served in that capacity for 16 years. The current Assistant County Attorney is serving as Interim. The Legal Office includes the County Attorney, Assistant County Attorney and Legal Assistant.

POSITION AUTHORITY & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Serves as legal advisor to County Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator and departments, boards, commissions, and agencies of the County; provide interpretations of codes, ordinances, statutes, regulations, and legal and legislative proceedings; furnish written opinions on questions of law when requested.
• Prepares ordinances, deeds, contracts, agreements, leases, franchises, releases, and other legal documents on behalf of the County.
• Reviews utility rate increases for fairness and advise or assist in the negotiation of contracts, leases, bonds, and bids.
• Assists in the development of and compliance with various County policies, including personnel and procurement.
• Assists in personnel matters, including policy development, training, and interpretation; participate in grievance procedures when appropriate.
• Prosecutes violations of County ordinances and participates in legal proceedings necessary to protect the interest of the County.
• Manages any potential, threatened, or actual litigation, representing the County as counsel or engaging and coordinating with outside counsel when appropriate.
• Defends County employees in actions brought against them for conduct while in the line of duty.
• Oversees and manages County real estate matters, including the preparation of leases, contracts, title research, and the sale of tax delinquent property.
• Establishes effective internal and external working relationships, work in partnership with the County Administrator and collaborates, as needed, with the Constitutional Officers.
• Prepares and presents training to County staff, Board of Supervisors, and members of boards and commissions on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Conflict of Interest Act (COIA), and the Records Retention Act. Assist with responses to FOIA requests.
• Monitors legislation proposed in the Virginia General Assembly, advises County Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator of potential impacts, and assists County Board of Supervisors in developing a position on proposed legislation; communicates Board of Supervisors’ position to members of the General Assembly. Monitors Federal legislation and regulations impacting local governments and interacts with Congressional representatives.
• Attends County Board of Supervisors meetings in person or assign an assistant to do so; attend Planning Commission meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Appoints and removes Assistant County Attorneys and other employees as shall be authorized by County Board of Supervisors.
• Fulfills other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, & EXPERIENCE:
The following education and experience factors are the expected qualifications for successful performance:
• Juris Doctor in law from an American Bar Association approved law school.
• At least five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, including at least three (3) years of experience as counsel within local government in Virginia. Seven to ten (7-10) years of public sector legal counsel experience is preferred. Additionally, some private sector legal counsel experience may be considered.
• A member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Some knowledge of utilities and agri-tourism is preferred.
• Broad familiarity and experience with litigation, negotiations, Virginia State Law, State Government, contractual law, procurement procedures, and employment law with local government(s) of comparable size, complexity, and responsibilities as Frederick County.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements of local government in the Commonwealth, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Conflict of Interests Act (COIA); an understanding of the Dillon Rule and other unique attributes of Virginia’s local governments.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through membership in the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA) and participation in conferences, seminars, and CLE training events, including the legal staff.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, local and regional planning, land use actions and subdivision development, and the statutory authority and requirements of County government.
• Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.

PERSONAL TRAITS & DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
• Absolute integrity, ensuring ethical, equitable, honest, and transparent interactions with members of the Board of Supervisors, community members, and all County employees.
• Professionally competent, with confidence tempered by humility, fairness, and consistency.
• Able to lead as a team player, approachable and solution minded.
• Maintain a strong work ethic with the ability to multi-task.
• Maintain regular and equal communications with the Board of Supervisors members; ensure accessibility and approachability; keep the Board of Supervisors informed of legal matters and respond promptly to inquiries.
• Exercise sound independent judgment and render candid advice; refer not only to the law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors that may be relevant to the situation.
• Function as a facilitator; assist Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator to develop creative solutions that reduce potential risks to an acceptable level and help them to achieve their goals; if the law does not allow certain courses of action, suggest possible alternative solutions.
• Provide well-researched, succinct, prudent, and clear advice to facilitate timely decision making by the Board of Supervisors.
• Understand that decision-making responsibility and authority rests with Board of Supervisors as a whole body; fully advise Council of the potential legal consequences of a decision and respect and support the final decision.
• Demonstrate collaboration and cooperation; seek input from different perspectives; proactively build partnerships with the County Administrator and County department directors.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal abilities, including collaboration and listening effectively; ‘will speak truth as needed.’
• Not easily intimidated, yet straight-forward and tactful; able to diffuse tense situations and seek common ground when different perspectives create friction.
• Demonstrate a commitment to open and transparent government; support and protect the County’s reputation.
• Seek feedback and guidance and provide perspective through annual performance evaluations.

IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES & EXPECTATIONS:
• Immersion and engagement into the County, becoming knowledgeable of the county itself, as well as the Board of Supervisors, County staff and structure.
• Familiarization with County’s unique Sanitary Districts, Water Authority, Economic Development Authority, as well as joint relationships with surrounding entities.
• Upcoming revision of County’s Comprehensive Plan.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Compensation for the County Attorney will be competitive with an expected starting range of $200,000-$240,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will also be offered a generous benefits package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance coverage, paid time off, deferred compensation, professional development support and other benefits as identified in a negotiated employment agreement. Frederick County has a plethora of spousal employment opportunities if that is a need.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Initial review of candidates will begin on November 22, 2024. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. Timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume, with salary expectations and professional references, to Berkley Group at karen.edmonds@bgllc.net.