Position Summary:
Corporation Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor, providing legal advice, assistance, formal opinions and court representation to the County Board, County Administrator, elected officials, County Departments, commissions, and committees. Responsible for the management and leadership of the Office of the Corporation Counsel, performed under the direction of the County Administrator.
The Office of Corporation Counsel represents Marathon County government interests, and in certain cases Lincoln & Langlade Counties, in providing the following legal services and advice:
• General Legal Services
• Ordinance Enforcement
• Involuntary Mental Health Commitments (Marathon & Lincoln Counties)
• Adult Guardianships/Protective Placements (Marathon, Lincoln & Langlade Counties)
• Children in Need of Protection & Services (CHIPS)
• Minor Guardianships
• Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
• Child Support Enforcement & Paternity Actions
• Open Meetings/Public Records/Robert’s Rules of Order
• Immunity/Claims Against the County
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• The scope of responsibilities extends to the oversight and management of legal services provided to regional affiliates including Aging Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin, Central Wisconsin Airport, Public Libraries, and North Central Health Care.
• Provides civil legal representation to all levels of County government; offers legal options and prepares and issues ethics opinions; gives legal advice; appears at all necessary court hearings; performs legal research; drafts legal pleadings, opinions, and briefs; drafts findings and conclusions on discipline hearings for the Personnel committee; coordinates defense cases with insurance carrier.
• Prosecutes juvenile neglect/abuse cases, termination of parental rights, guardianship and protective placement; mental and alcohol commitments; prosecutes ordinance violations, child support, paternity cases and cases appealed to County Office of Appeals; prosecutes collections cases on behalf of the County.
• Directs the operations of the Office of the Corporation Counsel. Supervises Deputy and Assistant Corporation Counsels, administrative coordinators and paralegals. Prepares annual budget and monitors expenditures; prepares required reports and statistics including case statistics, time studies; reviews and answers all correspondence and returns phone calls.
• Attends committee meetings and meetings with other governmental units and meets with County staff to assess legal merit of cases; negotiates case settlements.
Ideal Candidate:
A successful candidate will possess a considerable range of skills, knowledge and experience.
Personal Traits & Desired Characteristics:
• Proven reputation of integrity, good judgement and professionalism
• Excellent writing, communication, and negotiating skills
• High ethical standards and an understanding of law practices
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations applicable to County Government and public sector employment and labor relations practices and procedures
• Understanding and utilization of a trauma informed approach
• Ability to provide reliable and sound legal counsel in the field of municipal corporation law
• Ability to facilitate, integrate, and create mutual purpose amidst differing ideas and viewpoints for community betterment
• Strong time management skills, with the capacity to effectively prioritize own work in a fast-paced and demanding environment, while also managing others with high expectations
• Ability to delegate effectively, provide guidance, and remain focused on the organization’s performance and commitment to service delivery
• Bring a strategic perspective, be able to look beyond immediate pressures, and stay focused on important long term objectives
• Ability to set clear expectations, measurable goals, and hold others accountable
• An experienced leader with the ability to promote teamwork, build cohesive teams, reinforce shared values, foster a sense of urgency, ownership, and personal commitment
• Ability to make decisions effectively and bring creative solutions to complex problems
• Ability to remain focused and positive when confronted with negativity
• Exceptional listening skills
Experience and Education Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate with five years of legal experience in the areas of Family/Juvenile, Government, Municipal, and Administrative Law or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Requires Wisconsin State Bar License and a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
Compensation:
The expected annual salary range for this position is (D64 Market: $106,601 – 164,698) DOQ. Along with a competitive salary, Marathon County offers a comprehensive benefit package.
Anticipated Start Date: July 2021
How to Apply: Corporation Counsel Job or go to Marathon County Wisconsin
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 1, 2021
