Deputy County Attorney - Tax Administration

What You'll Be Doing

If you're an Attorney who enjoys challenging litigation and values making a meaningful impact, this is an opportunity to serve one of North Carolina's fastest-growing counties. The Wake County Attorney’s Office is seeking applicants with general civil practice experience to serve as our next Deputy County Attorney - Tax Administration. This full-time position will be housed in the Wake County Attorney’s Office and will report directly to Senior Deputy County Attorneys. 

Essential Functions:

• Provide superior legal representation to the Department of Tax Administration
• Represent Wake County during general litigation in state court involving tax matters, which includes contested tax matters before the NC Property Tax Commission in tax appeals
• Manage in rem tax foreclosures, debt collection actions and appellate work 
• Work with Wake County Tax Administration staff in the handling of any tax-related litigation
• Provide legal advice on any matter under the jurisdiction of this department which is an integral function of this position
• NOTE: A hybrid position may be considered

About Our Team

The Wake County Attorney’s Office advises county officials and departments on legal matters and represents the county in all courts and legal negotiations. The office provides legal advice to county departments and management and answers questions relating to statutes, rules, regulations, and appellate court decisions. The office also drafts legal documents, researches legal precedents, advises officials on legal implications of proposed actions, and studies county policies, procedures and actions to ensure compliance with the law.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law
• Ten years of experience as a practicing Attorney
• North Carolina Bar License
• Equivalent education and experience are NOT accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Real estate litigation experience
• Experience in ad valorem taxation matters with experience in county tax ad valorem valuation, property tax administration and appeals
• Experience in real estate law including reviewing appraisals, deeds and business personal property records
• Experience in drafting pleadings and discovery in state court

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Considerable knowledge of The Machinery Act as well as constitutional, federal, state, and local laws affecting local government tax collection
• Knowledge of NC law governing the levy of taxes, exemptions and exclusions, collections and general tax collection procedures
• Knowledge of rules of procedure and evidence necessary to effectively represent Wake County’s interest in any matter involving local taxation
• Ability to prepare and try complex tax cases

About This Position

Location: Justice Center Raleigh, NC 27602

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm

Hiring Range: 126,976.00 - 177,772.00 

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: This position is open until filled and may close at any time.

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.