Job Opening: County Solicitor
Department: Solicitor’s Office
Posting Date: May 8, 2025
Salary: Negotiable, comparable to salaries paid to County Solicitors in peer counties.
Residency Requirement: Yes, the County Solicitor must reside in Delaware County.
The County Solicitor serves as the chief legal advisor to all County offices and is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to Council and personnel of all County departments other than those reporting to Courts, the District Attorney, or the Controller.
This role ensures legal compliance, provides guidance on County policies and regulations, and oversees litigation, contract negotiations, and risk management. The Solicitor leads a team of Deputy Solicitors and legal staff, manages, and coordinates with outside counsel, and represents the County in legal matters and Council meetings.
The County Solicitor is appointed by and reports to County Council but supports and works closely with the Executive Director who is also appointed by County Council.
Provide legal advice upon matters or questions referred by Council, its subcommittees or delegates, the Executive Director, or a department director.
Oversees all litigation or defense of legal actions and claims brought by or against the County, including matters handled in-house and matters handled by outside counsel.
Approve for legality all contracts, agreements or other legal documents executed by authorized County Officials.
Prepares and/or reviews Real Estate and other transactional documents, including, but not limited to leases entered into by the County.
Represents the County in assessment appeals filed by taxpayers.
Attends and provides advice and counsel at all meetings of Council, including, but not limited to the preparation of Council resolutions.
Prepare and revise ordinances and resolutions.
The County Solicitor or designee sits as legal counsel on numerous Boards and Commissions.
Manages a full-time staff of attorneys and administrative staff, all of whom comprise the Solicitor’s Office.
Determines when to engage outside legal counsel and reviews and approves for payment all engagement letters and invoices.
Coordinates with County Council on matters requiring Council approval and engages with Council members and staff on matters that overlap with their responsibilities.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar.
At least ten years of experience practicing law with relevant experience.
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, with experience in contract law, labor/employment law, litigation and public governance or demonstrated knowledge sufficient to provide necessary oversight.
Familiarity with and interest in the County code, municipal law and government, including an understanding of the Pennsylvania Right to Know law and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
Experience managing meetings or supporting boards or governing bodies that conduct public/stakeholder meetings.
Experience managing legal staff, overseeing litigation, and coordinating with outside counsel.
Strong negotiation, litigation, problem-solving and legal research skills.
Ability to provide strategic legal guidance to elected officials and government leaders.
Excellent presentation skills and ability to manage public meetings and enforce decorum and rules of conduct.
Excellent abilities of management, communication, and persuasion, both oral and written.
Excellent abilities of legal analysis and strategy.
Awareness of local, regional and state political landscape.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
Experience with legal research databases, case management systems, and document review platforms.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend at the waist, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach or work with arms above shoulder height, kneel, stoop, crouch or squat, crawl, climb stairs, twist or rotate at the waist while working; push, lift, or carry items.
Office setting with frequent interaction with County elected officials and staff, legal professionals, and outside counsel.
Delaware County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, membership in an employee organization, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, or hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO/AA
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and any other supporting documentation to Deborah Cairy, Executive Assistant to Council, at cairyd@co.delaware.pa.us.
Interviews will be scheduled starting May 24, 2025. The position shall remain open until it is filled.
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and any other supporting documentation to cairyd@co.delaware.pa.us.