Legal Representation for County and City Governments
from West Virginia Attorney Stephen C. Sluss
In addition to assisting individuals with estate and long term care planning, I’m also available to assist county and city governments with their legal matters.
Confronted with an ever-changing legal and statutory environment, increasing demands from constituents, limited budgetary resources and a growing preference for litigation over resolution among aggrieved parties, sound legal representation and advice is a critical need for elected officials at the county and city levels.
Although the Prosecuting Attorney is the statutory attorney for the counties, the various officials are allowed to hire their own legal counsel. Unfortunately, many cities and counties cannot afford to hire one on a full-time basis. Moreover, with their own limited resources and staff, many prosecuting attorneys are simply too busy with criminal matters to be able to assist their fellow elected officials. With my extensive experience in county government, I am in a unique position to fill this void and offer vitally needed legal services to city and county elected officials throughout West Virginia.
For 13 of my over 22 years experience in county government, I have served as legal counsel to the Kanawha County Assessor. In addition to this, I have 1 ½ years as an assistant prosecuting attorney, 1 ½ years as the Kanawha County Manager and six years as County Commissioner in Mineral County. Over that time, I have assistedwith or been directly involved in property tax issues, elections, planning and zoning, adult entertainment ordinances, property tax collection, statutory interpretation, budget development and administration and employment matters. It is this unique combination of skills and experience rooted in an intimate understanding of today’s myriad legal issues that I can bring to bear in assisting you with the ever-changing and complex challenges facing local elected officials across West Virginia.
I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how I can best contribute to your legal needs. Accordingly, I would be more than happy to visit your community at your convenience.