Jefferson County, Wisconsin, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to serve as Jefferson County’s Corporation Counsel. This position will report directly to the County Administrator and will join a management team that is dedicated to providing best in class service to the citizens of Jefferson County. The person chosen for this position is the County’s chief legal advisor to the County Board; the County Administrator; and all County Board committees, commissions, boards, department heads, and staff. 

Some of the most significant responsibilities are:

• Representing the County in various legal proceedings including ordinance prosecutions and providing legal opinions for elected officials and department heads.
• Assisting with civil process in property seizures, real estate tax foreclosures, and zoning enforcement.
• Addressing public records requests and inquiries and preparing public record responses according to State statute.
• Actively assisting in or negotiating a variety of contracts, including union labor contracts, as well as preparing bids and contracts for public works projects and for services rendered to the County.
• Defending claims against the County and recovering funds due to the County.
• Assisting in risk management responsibilities, working with County’s Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance Company and coordinating with outside counsel as needed.
• Supervising Assistant Corporation Counsels responsible for mental health commitments, guardianships, protective placements, cases for Temporary Physical Custody, Children in Need of Protection and Services, Termination of Parental Rights, and child support enforcement and general municipal law support to the county.
• This position may assist with other administrative responsibilities at the direction of the County Administrator.

The successful candidate will fulfill these duties within the framework of the County’s strategic plan, and in a manner that ensures achievement of excellence in public service.

The 2023 annual salary range is $129,110 - $145,275, commensurate with successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

Additionally, Jefferson County offers an excellent benefit package with details at the below link:

https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_resources/pay_and_benefit_information.php

Minimum Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor degree with five to eight years as a practicing attorney or legal experience as general counsel to successfully provide legal counsel and litigate at the County Government level. A License to Practice Law in the State of Wisconsin and a Certificate of Good Standing with the State Bar of Wisconsin is required. Ability to practice in Federal Court preferred.

Experience and knowledge ideally will include Zoning Enforcement and Land Use issues, Mental Health and Children’s Code found in Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 51 and Chapter 48, Employment Relations, and/or General duties and responsibilities of public officials and employers and general municipal law.  While not an expectation, experience leading or supervising staff is a positive attribute, as this position requires overseeing other professional and administrative staff. 

Applications will be accepted as long as position is posted with screening of applicants upon receipt.

Application and position details are available at www.jeffersoncountywi.gov or

Jefferson County Human Resources: 311 S. Center Ave., Jefferson, WI  53549.

Jefferson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer