Job Abstract

The Land Use Section of the County Attorney's Office is seeking an attorney with high-quality legal knowledge and skills to litigate and provide legal advice in the areas of land use, zoning, development, building codes, and local government. The position will entail significant amounts of legal research and writing; public speaking; and other general, civil, and administrative law duties.

Fairfax County's Office of the County Attorney functions as in-house counsel to the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive, department heads, division directors, and other employees. It also serves as counsel to various boards, authorities, and commissions. Fairfax County is the largest jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia with more than 1.1 million residents and more than 12,000 employees. Fairfax County government is widely recognized as a superior government organization. In 2021, the most recent award cycle, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) announced that it had awarded its Certificate of Excellence to Fairfax County for the thirteenth consecutive year. The county is among only 31 jurisdictions across the nation recognized by ICMA for this prestigious award – the organization's highest level of recognition.

This position is designated as confidential under the county’s Collective Bargaining Ordinance. This position assists and acts in a confidential capacity to persons who formulate, determine, and effectuate management policies with regard to labor relations.

Note: A writing sample is required to be attached with your application to receive full consideration for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to four years of experience as a practicing attorney.

For specific, specialized County Attorney positions, at the request of the County Attorney, the Human Resources Director may approve consideration of candidates who are members of a Bar Association in a state other than Virginia. For these approved positions, membership in the Virginia State Bar must be obtained within 9 months of hire.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Virginia State Bar License in Good Standing (Required at the time of application)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.
• The appointee to the position must complete a Statement of Economic Interest form prior to starting work.

• Five years of complex litigation experience in Virginia land use and zoning, including cases involving rezonings, special exceptions, special permits, telecommunications facilities, and zoning determinations.
• Five years of experience writing motion, trial, and appellate briefs in various state and federal courts. Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills.

• Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer.
• Ability to travel to the Fairfax County Courts and on occasion other local courts for hearings and trials.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.