Employment Law Attorney (Assistant County Counselor)

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you're searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County Government, in Olathe, Kansas, is actively recruiting for an Employment Law Attorney. This position offers specialized legal counsel on employment law and civil rights matters including handling litigation. This includes addressing discrimination claims, labor relations, compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), wage and hour issues, conducting investigations with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and developing workplace policies. The aim is to ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws throughout the county.

This role is essential in supporting Human Resources and the county departments, which collectively employ over 4,000 individuals. It involves managing legal risks related to employment and maintaining compliance with complex and evolving employment regulations.

Candidates for this position should possess extensive experience and specialized expertise in employment law and civil rights. They must be able to interpret technical guidelines, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures thoroughly. An in-depth understanding of local government operations is also required. Additionally, this position will involve litigating employment cases in both state and federal courts.

This role will remain open until filled.

Additional responsibilities include:

Provide comprehensive legal advice and guidance to county officials and departments, as lead counsel on a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to, public policy, contracts, labor and employment, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the highest subject matter expert in their specialty area of law, providing legal advice to any department needing guidance in that area.
• Conduct legal research, interpret statutes, ordinances, and regulations, and analyze their impact on county operations.
• Assist in the development of county policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
• Represent the county in legal proceedings, including litigation, administrative hearings, and appeals, as necessary.
• Collaborate with outside counsel when required and oversee their work on behalf of the county.
• Prepare and present legal arguments, motions, pleadings, and briefs in court.
• Review, draft, and negotiate complex contracts, agreements, and legal documents to safeguard the county's interests.
• Ensure compliance with all legal requirements and county policies in contractual matters.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior attorneys within the legal department.
• For those that are supervisors: Supervise legal administrative staff and/or year-round interns, assign cases and tasks, and ensure their professional development.
• Monitor changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations to assess their impact on county operations.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Identify potential legal risks and liabilities for the county and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Advise on insurance matters and coordinate with risk management departments as needed.

Juris Doctorate and active Kansas licensure to practice law required.

Eight (8) years of experience exhibiting technical and operational mastery of the law required with preference given to public sector and employment litigation in state and federal court.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.