Description
Livingston County is seeking applications from qualified persons for the position of
COUNTY ATTORNEY
The County Attorney is an appointed official that serves as the chief legal counsel for the Livingston County Board of Supervisors, County Administrator and County Department Heads.
The County Attorney position is full time and has a four (4) year term of office.
Due to being a full-time position, outside practice is prohibited. The County Attorney serves under the general direction of the Board and exercises supervision over the work of Assistant County Attorneys and other office staff.
The County Attorney performs the typical work activities set forth below and performs other related duties as assigned.
Recruitment Brochure located here: https://www.livingstoncountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22927/County-Attorney-Brochure---LivCo
Interested qualified candidates should submit an application along with cover letter and resume by March 27, 2026 to:
Lindsey Meys
Livingston County Administration
lindseymeys@livingstoncountyny.gov
Subject: County Attorney Position
RESIDENCY– Candidates must be a resident of Livingston County at the time of appointment and must maintain county residency during the length of employment.
Examples of Duties
Serves as chief legal counsel for the County Board of Supervisors, County Administrator and County Department Heads in the interest of the County;
Represents the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District;
Prepares local laws, Board resolutions and legal opinions;
Drafts and reviews all departmental and County contracts, memorandums of agreement, lease agreements, requests for proposal, bid documents and other legal documents;
Attends all meetings, hearings or other matters of concern to the County Board of Supervisors and the County Attorney’s Office and provides legal updates or reports as necessary;
Handles all litigation matters involving the County, either in house or with the assistance of outside counsel;
Works closely with all County Department Heads, including but not limited to the Commissioner of Social Services, Public Health Director, Treasurer and Planning Director, to provide legal counsel, representation and legal review and analysis as requested;
Participates in the development, drafting and/or review of County policies and procedures;
Assists the Human Resources Department with internal employee investigations, union grievances, union negotiations and legal interpretation of existing collective bargaining agreements;
May be involved in handling Juvenile Delinquent and Persons in Need of Supervision proceedings in Family Court, as well as representing DSS in child support enforcement proceedings;
Participates in addressing FOIL requests;
Monitors state and federal legislation as it relates to County government and briefs the Livingston County Board of Supervisors, County Administrator and County Department Heads.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERSISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to county government, including but not limited to the County Law, General Municipal Law, Public Officers Law, Public Health Law, Real Property Law, Real Property Tax Law and the Family Court Act;
Thorough knowledge of drafting and interpreting contracts, court pleadings and other legal instruments;
Thorough knowledge of the proceedings of Supreme Court and Family Court;
Thorough knowledge of parliamentary procedures and the Livingston County Board of Supervisors’ Rules of Order;
Working knowledge of public information and public relations techniques;
Ability to communicate and present effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to reason quickly and accurately in stressful situations;
Ability to understand and interpret laws, rules and regulations in order to render a thorough and accurate legal opinion both orally and in writing;
Ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal working relationships;
Excellent judgment, high level of integrity, skill, efficiency and fairness;
Physical condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position.
Requirements
Typical Qualifications
Applicants must meet all requirements described in the following table in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:
Training/Education
Possession of a Juris Doctor[1],[2] degree.
General experience: Eight (8) years of full-time, paid experience in the practice of law, preferably with municipal law experience.
Supervisory experience N.A.
License/Certification: Licensed to practice law in New York State; AND
Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license.
Other requirements: See Special Qualifications below.
Part-time service will be given prorated credit toward experience requirements
[Applicant must be a resident of Livingston County at the time of appointment and maintain Livingston County residency throughout employment.
Appropriate professional licensure must be maintained in good standing throughout employment.
Appropriate driving license must be maintained throughout employment.
A driving record evidencing safe and responsible vehicle operation is required.
Must authorize and execute any necessary releases to enable the appointing authority to verify licensure and driving history involving violations and/or crimes.
SPECIAL NOTES:
The County Attorney has a four (4) year term of office.
The County Attorney is a full-time position, outside practice is prohibited.
[1] Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
[2] Proof of admission to the New York State Bar and active registration with the Office of Court Administration is required.
