Legal

The Legal Department advises and represents the County on all legal matters except in specific situations where outside counsel is obtained or when a certain department have their own counsel. 

The department does not represent nor provides legal advice to residents about private disputes or problems they may face but wants to provide assistance and information responsive to inquiries concerning County ordinances or matters in which the County may be involved.

Richard P. Williams was appointed as County Attorney in December, 2011, and, in that capacity, serves as legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners.   Mr. Williams moved onto County staff in 2023.  He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991 and Juris Doctor in 1994.   Prior to joining Rutherford County, Mr. Williams was in private practice in Rutherfordton for 28 years.