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Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge foothills of Central Virginia between Charlottesville and Fredericksburg, the County of Orange is seeking an experienced attorney for the newly reestablished full- time position of County Attorney. As Chief Legal Officer, the position reports directly to the Board of Supervisors and serves Orange County by providing timely legal services and advice to the Board, Constitutional Officers, the County Administrator, and Department Heads. They also provide legal advice and consultation to the County’s various boards, authorities, and commissions, including the Orange County Broadband Authority (dba FiberLync) and perform complex legal work managing civil litigation, working with insurance counsel and outside counsel as needed, reviewing and preparing legal documents, and analyzing laws and ordinances, legal opinions, and contracts. The successful candidate will advise the Board on staffing requirements for an effective county attorney’s office. For the past 11 years, Orange County addressed its legal services needs through a successful contract with a local government law practice. As needs have changed, the Board desires to reestablish a full-time in-house position to serve in this role. The successful candidate will propose how best to staff the new office and will serve as the hiring official for positions authorized by the Board.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled, with the first screening of applications scheduled for March 1, 2024

Summary The County Attorney is the Chief Legal Officer and Counsel to the County of Orange reporting directly to and responsible to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The County Attorney represents Orange County by providing timely legal services and advice to the Board of Supervisors, Constitutional Officers, the County Administrator, and Department Heads. They also provide legal advice and consultation to the County’s various boards, authorities, and commissions, including the Orange County Broadband Authority (dba FiberLync). They perform complex legal work managing civil litigation, working with insurance counsel and outside counsel as needed, reviewing, and preparing legal documents, and analyzing laws and ordinances, legal opinions, and contracts. The Orange County Attorney is the primary risk management officer for the County and works daily with leadership, staff, and citizens to resolve problems. Supervises the staff of the County Attorney’s Office. Education, Experience and Training The position requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and no less than five (5) years of relevant experience. The successful applicant must be licensed to practice in Virginia.

Salary Range: $170,00-$195,000

Essential Functions of the Position

• Advises the Board of Supervisors, Constitutional Officers, the County Administrator, and Department Heads on all legal matters of local government.
• Serves as counsel to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Economic Development Authority, and Broadband Authority.
• Advises the Department of Development Services on land use and zoning issues.
• Assists in drafting and enforcing the county zoning ordinance and the county subdivision ordinance and in enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Studies court decisions and recommends changes to policies and ordinances to conform with law and to protect the county from unwarranted claims.
• Advises department heads regarding employment matters and claims.
• Drafts legal documents including contracts, purchasing agreements and leases.
• Gathers and analyzes evidence in civil matters and reviews pertinent decisions, policies, regulations, and other legal issues.
• Assists the Board and County Administrator with legislative advocacy.
• Appears in court as necessary.
• Examines instruments and opinions prepared by other attorneys and advises public officials regarding legal requirements and public financial transactions.
• Examines public records, assists with FOIA requests, and writes opinions.
• Searches land records and prepares opinions on titles and deeds.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Supervisors.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.