Description
The Position
Orange County, Virginia, is searching for a skilled and trusted legal advisor to serve as its next County Attorney. This is a rare opportunity to serve as the chief legal officer of a growing, historically rich county at a pivotal moment: the County is navigating a major zoning ordinance overhaul, a regional transmission line proposal, active state legislative advocacy, and the buildout of a new legal team. The next County Attorney will have the chance to shape how the County approaches these opportunities and provide steady counsel to a Board of Supervisors and County Administrator who value transparency, responsiveness, and practical legal guidance.
The County Attorney provides timely legal services and guidance to the Board of Supervisors, Constitutional Officers, the County Administrator, and department heads. This position also advises the County's various boards, authorities, and commissions, including the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Economic Development Authority, and the Orange County Broadband Authority (dba FiberLync). Responsibilities include managing complex civil litigation, coordinating with insurance and outside counsel, preparing and reviewing legal documents, and analyzing laws, ordinances, legal opinions, and contracts. The role also serves as the County's primary risk management officer.
As the chief legal officer, the County Attorney reports directly to and is accountable to the five-member Board of Supervisors. The County Attorney’s Office is authorized for a County Attorney, a Senior Assistant County Attorney, and a paralegal. A key early responsibility will be building out the County Attorney's Office by hiring and developing a cohesive legal team that can meet the growing demands of a county evolving while preserving its rural character. The County Attorney is expected to hit the ground running, quickly establishing credibility, building collaborative relationships, and providing sound counsel on pressing matters.
Compensation and Benefits
The hiring salary range for the County Attorney is $175,000 to $225,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Relocation assistance is provided. Orange County offers an excellent benefits package, including the following: participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; generous paid leave, including vacation, sick, and holiday leave; flexible spending accounts; Employee Assistance Program; and professional development and continuing legal education support.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply early to ensure their materials are presented to the Board of Supervisors at the earliest opportunity. This will be a confidential recruitment process.
Requirements
Qualifications
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law is required, along with a current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the County will work with the successful candidate to facilitate Virginia bar admission. Candidates must have at least five years of relevant legal experience, with a strong preference for candidates whose experience includes local government law, land use and zoning, and civil litigation.
Experience as a chief legal officer or senior attorney in a county, city, or town government is strongly preferred. Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience advising governing bodies, managing litigation, drafting ordinances and contracts, and providing counsel on FOIA and procurement matters.
