COUNTY ATTORNEY

Salary: $105,000.00 - $150,000.00 AnnuallyLocation : Lewis County Courthouse, NYJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202600024Department: LawOpening Date: 04/09/2026Closing Date: 5/7/2026 11:59 PM EasternDistinguishing Features of the ClassLewis 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, labor relations, contract negotiation, and the drafting of local laws and policies.The ideal candidate is someone who has been admitted to the New York State Bar with a minimum of five (5) years of legal experience, with a strong background in municipal law or public sector legal services, who brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, the ability to manage diverse legal matters, and a commitment to public service.Nestled in Northern New York between the Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau, Lewis County offers an exceptional quality of life, with a low cost of living, strong community values, and abundant year-round outdoor recreation.The work involves responsibility for representing the County in all legal proceedings, including both litigation and administrative hearings, and for preparing contracts, local laws, resolutions, and legal opinions for the County Legislature and all departments of the County. The County Attorney is accountable to the County Legislature and serves for the term of the Board. Supervision is exercised over the work of the Assistant County Attorney and other office staff. Does related work as required.Typical Work ActivitiesServes as legal counsel for the County Legislature and department heads in the interest of the County;Prepares local laws and ordinances, legislative resolutions and motions as requested by the County Legislature;Attends all meetings, hearings and trials of matters of concern to the County Legislature;Designs a plan for case presentation for matters requiring litigation;Handles ACA supervision for cases involving juvenile delinquents, PINS, LC DSS support, neglect, abuse, custody, and guardianships; appears in court and manages case follow-up as needed;Researches all matters of concern to the County Legislature and other officials of the County and renders a legal opinion at their request;Reviews and prepares contracts and other legal instruments of all county departments;Establishes priorities, policies and procedures for the Office of the County Attorney;Represents the County in employee grievance and disciplinary matters, and as a member of the labor negotiations team;Performs such additional and related duties of the Office of the County Attorney as required by law and the County Legislature;Serves as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer for the County.Minimum QualificationsAdmission to the Bar in the State of New York and five (5) years of experience practicing law.Full performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristicsThorough knowledge of the New York State County Law, General Municipal Law, and County ordinances; thorough knowledge of laws pertaining to contracts, petitions, other legal instruments, and other aspects of general legal work; thorough knowledge of the proceedings of criminal court, family court, administrative tribunals, commissioner's hearings, PERB hearings and other legal proceedings; thorough knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the rules of proceeding of the County Legislature; working knowledge of public information and public relations techniques; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and interpret laws, rules and regulations in order to render an accurate legal opinion; ability to prepare and delivery presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to efficiently gather information through research, interview and investigation; ability to establish priorities, procedures and policies necessary to the efficient functioning of the Office of the County Attorney.