General Counsel

Augusta, GA (pop. 200,884) seeks an experienced municipal attorney to serve as General Counsel for the consolidated Augusta-Richmond County government. As the chief legal officer, the General Counsel is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. This position also leads the Augusta Law Department, which provides legal counsel to more than 20 different departments under the purview of the County Administrator and various elected and appointed officials.

Perhaps best known as the home of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, Augusta is the third largest municipality in Georgia and the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Augusta sits on the Georgia/South Carolina border and is bounded by the Savannah River. The city is two hours east of Atlanta on Interstate 20 and is served by Augusta Regional Airport (AGS).

Multiple higher education institutions call the city home, including Augusta University, Augusta Technical College, and historically Black (HBCU) Paine College. The consolidated government was formed in 1996 following a vote by residents of the city of Augusta and portions of unincorporated Richmond County.Augusta-Richmond County has an approved FY2024 total budget of $1.156 billion and 2,800 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, while the Law Department has a budget of $2.15 million and 11 FTEs, including seven attorneys. The department is responsible for all legal affairs for the consolidated city-county government. Key duties for the General Counsel include:

• Directing the day-to-day activities of the Law Department

• Providing daily legal advice and legal representation to Mayor and Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, and other county officials, boards, and authorities

• Attending meetings of the Board of Commissioners and other boards, authorities, and commissions to provide legal advice

• Representing officers and employees of Augusta-Richmond County in their official capacities in court and administrative proceedings

• Managing the Law Department budget and legal expenses for outside counsel, as necessary

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong grasp of municipal government, including an understanding of and respect for their role and the roles of the Board of Commissioners and County Administrator as outlined in the county charter. They should be confident, assertive, and judicious and able to earn credibility with elected officials, employees, and the public. Additionally, they will demonstrate good judgment, critical thinking, and a focus on maintaining a modern, responsive law department.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate or Doctor of Laws degree from an accredited institution of higher learning

• Seven (7) years of legal experience, at least four (4) years of which was in local government

• Active member of State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals, and Georgia Supreme Court, or able to be licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia

• Substantial litigation experience and demonstrated expertise in municipal law

• Budget management and supervisory experience

Salary is negotiable and will be dependent upon qualifications. Apply at www.GovHRjobs.com with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five professional references by October 13, 2024. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Dele Lowman, MGT Senior Consultant, at (847) 380-3240 x141.