Legal & Risk Management

The Legal & Risk Management Department provides in-house legal and risks management services for Harnett County Government. The Department advises and represents the County in all legal matters except in situations where certain County departments have their own counsel or when it is determined in the best interest of the County to retain outside counsel to work with the County staff attorneys. The Legal & Risk Management Department is also responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact County operations, workers, residents or visitors; managing claims from intake to completion; and ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) compliance.

Dwight W. Snow is the County Attorney and serves as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Snow provides legal services in civil legal matters to the County. Mr. Snow is responsible for rendering legal opinions upon request to County Commissioners, the County Manager, certain boards, and department heads. Mr. Snow is in private practice and is on retainer with the County.

The Staff Attorney serves in a role that is similar to that of an in-house corporate counsel. Working in collaboration with Mr. Snow, the Staff Attorney provides various legal services to assist the County such as enforcing county ordinances; negotiating leases and contracts; providing legal advice to the Board of Commissioners, the County Manager, and departments; responding to public records requests; defending lawsuits; and commencing legal actions on behalf of the County. The Staff Attorney does not represent nor give legal advice to citizens about private disputes or problems, but will endeavor to provide information and assistance in response to citizen inquiries concerning matters in which the County is a party or in some way directly involved.

The Risk Manager manages and administers the County’s risk management program and ensures adherence to the ADA. The Risk Manager is responsible for ensuring that employees are working in as safe environment as possible; ensuring that public buildings and spaces are safe for visitors; administering the drug testing policy; overseeing the safety training program; handling ADA requests and complaints; and assisting legal counsel with the defense of claims and litigation.