Description
The Position
Guilford County is seeking a highly skilled, strategic, and collaborative County Attorney to lead the County’s legal function during a pivotal time of organizational and community transformation and growth. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a seasoned public sector attorney and proven leader to bring clarity and vision to one of North Carolina’s largest and most dynamic counties. The next County Attorney will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, and department leadership. They will help guide the County through significant growth by advising on key policies, risk management, and strategy decisions to support Guilford’s long-term needs and governance goals.
The County Attorney serves as chief legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners and Department Director for the County Attorney’s Office, which provides comprehensive legal support to all County departments and entities. This includes managing all civil matters involving the County—such as contracts, property transactions, public records, local ordinances, employment, and litigation and ensuring the County’s operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. The County Attorney oversees a highly skilled legal team that includes Deputy and Assistant County Attorneys who specialize in areas such as child welfare, social services, employment, land use, and general government law. The position also provides direct supervision and leadership to the Deputy County Attorneys and administrative staff, guiding case management, courtroom preparation, and professional development across the department.
Reporting directly to the Board of Commissioners and working in close partnership with the County Manager, the County Attorney plays an essential role in strategic decision-making and cross-departmental collaboration. The Attorney will be a core member of the County’s executive team, regularly participating in agenda reviews, department head meetings, and Commissioner sessions to provide proactive counsel and ensure the County’s legal strategy aligns with its operational goals. The new County Attorney will inherit an evolving department committed to excellence.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $240,000 – $280,000, depending on qualifications, with excellent benefits. Residency is strongly preferred after appointment. A relocation package and other amenities will be part of the total compensation in an employment agreement.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning November 25, 2025.
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum requirements are a J.D. from an accredited school of law and membership in good standing with the North Carolina Bar Association, or be eligible to be admitted to the North Carolina Bar after selection. Also required is at least ten (10) years’ experience as an Attorney, with at least five (5) years in the practice of local government law, ideally with a successful track record as a City/County Attorney, Deputy or Assistant City/County Attorney, or experience in a private law firm advising local governments with a full range of services.
Preferred qualifications include well-rounded experience in local government law, including tax/appraisals, public meetings and records, elections, public contracts, procurement, public safety, social services, employment law, land use, management of outside counsel, and litigation. Experience managing staff and working in a setting with a multi-cultural constituency is also preferred.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The County may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.
