County of Berks
POSITION DESCRIPTION FORM
Position Title: / CountySolicitorDepartment: / Solicitor / Reports To: (Title) / CountyCommissioners
Wage Category: / Exempt / Non-Exempt
EEO-1 Category: / Officials & Administrators / Union Classification: / N/A
POSITION SUMMARY:
Exclusively represents and advises the County Commissioners and the County of Berks in various legal matters. Attends and advises the CountyCommissioners at the weekly Commissioner meetings. Supervises and monitors all legal matters involving the County.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions1. Attends Commissioner Meetings, Salary Board Meetings, and Retirement Board Meetings.
2. Provides legal advice to County Departments and Board of Commissioners on various legal issues.
3. Files legal pleadings and documents necessary to represent the County.
4. Drafts contracts, resolutions, ordinances and various other legal documents for the County Commissioners and other County Departments.
5. Acts as a liaison between the County, the public, County Departments and outside agencies on various legal issues.
6. Supervises staff attorneys, support staff and outside counsel to the County.
7. Execute and supervise all administrative functions of the Solicitor’s Office.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School.
2. Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
3. Minimum of ten years of experience in municipal law or related legal field. Experience in municipal purchasing and procurement law preferred. Supervisory experience in a law firm or as corporate general counsel.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, in particular County Code.
2. Knowledge of trial advocacy including Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure.
3. Knowledge of appellate advocacy including knowledge of the Rules of
Appellate Procedures.
4. Knowledge of Administrative Procedure.
5. Knowledge of local government organization and administration
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally, and in writing.
7. Ability to interpret and apply applicable rules, laws, ordinances and policies
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Normal office environment. Position requires regular travel to satellite County locations. Incumbent needs access to transportation.
This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF POSITION DESCRIPTION
______
Signature of EmployeeDate
______
Signature of SupervisorDate
Effective Date: 9/2004Revision Date: 7/2015Reviewed: