Associate General Counsel

The Associate General Counsel provides legal advice and assistance to the Association on a wide variety of issues as well as on legal issues unique to the constitutional Office of Sheriff. This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and maintains the following job duties and responsibilities:

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides support to legislative advocacy efforts to include legislative bill summaries explaining the legal and practical effects of legislation, drafting of potential legislation, and research which aids in the determination of legislative priorities
• Assists with the research, analysis and summary of proposed legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly for the Association’s Weekly, Special and Final Legislative Reports
• Assists in researching, developing and creating the training materials for the Association’s Legislative Update training
• Assists the Association in maintaining its operations within the limits prescribed by law
• Researches North Carolina and federal law for the benefit of the Office of Sheriff
• Provides technical support to sheriffs
• Drafts legal memorandums
• Drafts and reviews contracts as well as other legal documents
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, programs, and training topics
• Prepares Association publications and training materials
• Maintains a compendium of legal research files
• Provides continuous updates of Sheriffs’ Leadership Institute materials and Resource Manuals, and on other leadership institutes of the Association
• Assists with oversight of the Association’s amicus curiae court brief (“friend of the court”) program
• Maintains a working knowledge of any judicial developments, legislative issues, or current events which may have a legal impact on the Association or the Office of Sheriff
• Assists with preparation of the Legal Counsel Update for use by the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for all Executive Committee meetings
• Coordinates and oversees special projects
• Serves as a liaison to outside legal counsel
•  Participates in the Association’s new employee interview process as needed
• Assists co-workers as necessary and performs any additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school

 Licensure:  Must be licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina

 General Instructor Certification: Must possess a General Criminal Justice Instructor Certification issued by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission or must earn this Certification within two years of beginning employment with the Association. 

Required Skills:

• Minimum 3-5 years related work experience in a large firm, government agency, non-profit or business corporation
• Previous legal experience in the field of criminal law strongly preferred
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills, as well as sound judgment
• Personal and professional integrity
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• High ethical standards with a strong commitment to legal ethics exhibited in knowledge and practice, and professional responsibility
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures
• Ability to adhere to our Association’s professional standards and core values
• Ability to perform other related duties as assigned

 Supplemental Information

The work is typically performed in an office while sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, weighing up to 20 pounds.