Attorney - Consent Decree Compliance (Sr Staff Attorney)

ABOUT THE ROLE This is an unclassified position within the Fulton County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) in Georgia. The Attorney for Consent Decree Compliance serves as a legal advisor to the Sheriff’s Office on all matters related to detention facilities operating under a federal consent decree. The role focuses on ensuring jail policies, practices, and operational systems comply with constitutional standards, federal mandates, and best practices in detention management. The Attorney works closely with command staff, detention leadership, federal monitors, the U.S. Department of Justice, and county officials to drive sustainable reform, reduce legal exposure, and support safe, humane, and lawful jail operations. This position requires functioning with autonomy and minimal supervision. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Interpret and apply federal consent decree requirements regarding jail conditions, inmate rights, medical/mental health care, use of force, staffing, and facility operations - Serve as the primary point of contact for the federal monitoring team and the U.S. Department of Justice on jail-related compliance issues - Review monitoring reports, audits, and data to identify compliance gaps and advise leadership on corrective actions - Draft, revise, and review jail policies and procedures to ensure alignment with consent decree mandates and constitutional standards - Support the development and tracking of compliance metrics, corrective action plans, and implementation timelines - Provide legal advice on inmate rights, conditions of confinement, PREA, IDEA, medical/mental health obligations, disability accommodations, use of force, grievance systems, and disciplinary processes - Conduct legal research and prepare written opinions, guidance documents, and risk assessments for detention leadership - Advise on inmate litigation, civil rights claims, habeas petitions, and federal or state investigations - Assist in responding to subpoenas, discovery requests, and litigation involving jail operations - Lead or support the creation and legal review of jail policies, post orders, operational directives, and training materials - Develop and deliver legal training to detention officers, supervisors, medical staff, and command personnel on constitutional standards, inmate rights, and consent decree obligations MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school - Active license to practice law in Georgia, or eligibility for admission - Experience with federal consent decrees, civil rights litigation, institutional reform, correctional law, or government compliance - Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills - Ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance for operational staff - Ability to work effectively with FCSO leadership, compliance professionals, and external oversight entities - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a reform-focused environment - Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical public service SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with the U.S. Department of Justice or court-appointed monitors; familiarity with jail operations, correctional standards, or large-scale institutional reform; experience supporting compliance monitoring, data reporting, or performance auditing; strong understanding of constitutional standards governing jail operations (Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments); familiarity with PREA, IDEA, ADA, and use-of-force principles in detention settings. - Background Investigation: All applicants must agree to and successfully pass a background investigation, drug screening, and polygraph examination. - Transcript Requirement: If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required at the time of employment for all degrees/coursework used to qualify. - Application Accuracy: Applications must be completed in full before submission. Errors can result in disqualification. No additional information is accepted after receipt by Human Resources. SELECTION PROCESS The examination consists of an evaluation of education and experience through analysis of the application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates must document that they possess the minimum knowledge, skills, education, and experience to be rated as qualified. HOW TO APPLY Submit a resume and any relevant certifications/licenses through the Fulton County online application portal. Ensure all applications are complete and accurate before submission. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Sheriff's Office/Jail, Fulton County, GA - Schedule: Full-Time - Pay Grade: K11 - Status: Unclassified Position - Equal Opportunity Employer: Fulton County provides equal opportunity for every citizen, employee, and applicant based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, genetics, age, disability, or sexual orientation.