Corporation Counsel

LOCATION:

Courthouse

DEPARTMENT HEAD:

Keith R. Zehms,  PHONE: 715-839-4836

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:

8

HISTORY OF DEPARTMENT:

At one time all legal representation was provided by the District Attorney's office.  In the early 1970's, the first part-time Corporation Counsel was appointed pursuant to state statute.  In the early 1980's, the Corporation Counsel's office began providing a full range of civil legal services for the county.  Currently, 4 attorney's and 4 clerical personnel staff the office.  State statutes require counties to employ a Corporation Counsel or to designate an attorney to perform the duties of a Corporation Counsel.

MISSION STATEMENT/
DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE:

The mission of the Eau Claire County Corporation Counsel is:  "to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of Eau Claire County residents by providing quality legal services in an efficient and timely manner to the County, its boards, commissions, committees, departments and employees."

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIRED OF EMPLOYEES:

Assistant Corporation Counsel:  Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the Wisconsin State Bar.

Executive Legal Secretary: Associate degree in a relevant field with course work in administrative and supervisory practices and principles, plus two years supervisory experience in an office setting, two years experience working in a law office or equivalent experience.

Legal Secretaries: Two years experience as a legal secretary, legal assistant or paralegal in a law office setting, course work in legal secretarial field, experience in personal computer use and typing skills of 65 wpm.

TOPICS DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL CAN SPEAK ABOUT:

Child support and paternity; mental commitments; guardianships and protective placements;  records retention and management; zoning, building and sanitary code enforcement, open meeting and public records law.

CONTACT PERSON:

PHONE: 715-839-4836

AVAILABLE SPEAKERS:

Keith R. Zehms, Corporation Counsel