County Attorney

York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.

Mission Statement- York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.
Vision Statement - York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.


Core Values -Excellence through Professionalism

• Respect - respect builds bridges, not silos. How we live it? Golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated.
• Dedicated- strong work ethic. How we live it? Persistence, reliability and commitment to do your best.
• Integrity- do the right thing instead of what is convenient. How we live it? Displaying strong moral principles.
• Knowledgeable- ready and able. How we live it? Having the right competencies necessary for achievement.
• Friendly- service with a smile. How we live it? Being respectful, pleasant and helpful to ALL.

We invite you to apply for our County Attorney position with York County Government. In this integral position, the County Attorney provides professional legal representation, advice, and counsel on complex matters to County Council, the County as an entity, its Boards and Commissions, elected and appointed officials, and all County Departments. As needed, the County Attorney supports all phases of County operations by offering legal guidance and assistance.

This position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications beginning on April 27th. We encourage you to apply early.

Competitive Compensation: This is a contract position reporting directly to a seven (7) member County Council and salary will be determined based on experience and education.

Car Allowance:This position will receive a car allowance and will be determined during the offer process.

Recruitment Brochure:https://canva.link/uq8y5zy85vuawjr

Our Total Compensation Package:

• Compensation – competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
• Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Parental and Bereavement Leave
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
• 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• SC State Retirement Plan Pension
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Sick Bank
• Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
• Wellness Screenings
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Acts as general counsel for York County, provides professional legal advice to the York County Council, it Boards and Commissions, including the York County Library, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Culture and Heritage Commission; its elected officials, including the Clerk of Court, Coroner, Probate Court, and Sheriff, provides legal counsel and advice to County Management and County Departments in all phases of County governance and operations.
• Attends Council Meetings, special and regular, council workshops, Committee meetings, conferences, retreats, and training sessions. Provides legal advice in Executive Session(s). Meetings and workshops may be held in the evening, as is often County practice. Conferences, meetings, and training sessions may be held outside the county and may involve overnight travel.
• Researches and interprets the law as it applies to the governance of the County in multiple practice areas, including but not limited to land use, FOIA, Fee in Lieu of Tax Simplification Act, special tax districts, water/sewer law, contracts and procurement, property valuation and assessment, tax sales, real estate matters, title work, condemnation matters, financing and budgeting matters, bankruptcy matters, roads and transportation, elections, employment law, civil litigation, constitutional claims, zoning and building code enforcement, animal control and enforcement cases, cost of care cases, open meetings, public records, and the day to day business of the county.
• Serves as Parliamentarian for the York County Council, Council Committees, and York County Boards and Commissions.
• Provides advice on Inducement Resolutions, FILOT agreements, Special Source Revenue Credit Agreements, and other Economic Development related matters.
• Remains current on statutes, case law, and regulations that may affect the operations and policies of the County to ensure compliance with the laws and to limit liabilities.
• Advises County Council and County Management on legislative developments that may impact the role of County Council or the operations of the County; advises and coordinates with County Management to provide effective legislative advocacy at the direction of County Council.
• Drafts, reviews and provides legal advice concerning County Ordinances, Resolutions, and contracts.
• Oversees orderly and appropriate review and revision of County Ordinances, processes, and policies in coordination with County Management; advises County Council on all facets of reviews and revisions.
• Performs all functions of County Attorney, including representing the County in civil/criminal trials and litigation in the Magistrates Court, the Administrative Law Court, Circuit Court, Federal District Court, Bankruptcy Court, and all appellate courts.
• Responsible for all aspects of case preparation including, but not limited to, drafting complaints and answers, drafting and filing motions, responding to motions, witness interviews, appearing in court, conducting legal research, drafting legal briefs and memoranda of law.
• Retains and coordinates with outside counsel as authorized by County Council.
• Represents the County before administrative Boards including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, and the Criminal Justice Academy.
• Participates in mediations and engages in settlement conferences on behalf of the County.
• Oversees all aspects of management and direction of the Office of the County Attorney and the Office of Risk Management.
• In furtherance of County objectives, provides legal advice to County Council members and committees and to County-wide teams.
• Acts as a liaison between the County Attorney’s Office and County Managers, Department and Division Heads, and private and government attorneys.
• Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with other county departments to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Examines public records and assists with FOIA requests.
• May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather or emergency conditions.
• Performs related work as assigned by County Council.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree.
• Eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law, preferably in local government.

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina in good standing; and must be admitted to the Bar of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Physical Demands
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.