Seeking a dynamic attorney to join the County Counsel’s Office in providing high-quality legal services to the County’s departments and agencies, special districts, and elected officials. The ideal candidate will have strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills and will enjoy the challenge of advising clients, appearing in court, and working creatively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Experience in a public agency setting is preferred, though not required. Our team works in the office and remotely to deliver our clients the results they seek in a highly ethical, politically sensitive manner – and has fun doing it.

DEFINITION:
Under direction of County Counsel, provides professional legal services and representation, advice and assistance to County departments, employees, the Board of Supervisors and various committees and commissions; represents County governmental jurisdictions in legal and business matters; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Deputy County Counsel I
This is the entry level class in the Deputy County Counsel series. Initially incumbents are under close supervision and are expected to learn and perform the less difficult and less-controversial assignments in the County Counsel's office under the direction and guidance of County Counsel or more senior attorneys. Incumbents normally advance to the level of Deputy County Counsel II after gaining experience, achieving proficiency, and demonstrating ability to perform tasks which meet the requirements for Deputy County Counsel II.

Deputy County Counsel II
This is the second level class in the Deputy County Counsel series. Incumbents are under general direction, through formal and informal work review; incumbents perform a full scope of generalist duties and are assigned specific County departments to represent in legal matters. Projects assigned at this level are more difficult and complex and receive a lesser degree of supervision.

• Provides a variety of professional legal services to County departments and jurisdictions, advises and/or represents County departments, commissions, special districts and jurisdictions;
• Reviews, researches and/or writes contracts for County department purchases or services;
• Researches, drafts opinions, and presents legal briefs, petitions, ordinances, memorandums, opinions, resolutions, court orders and related correspondence and documents;
• Researches and writes legal opinions for the Board of Supervisors and County departments, commissions, special districts and jurisdictions;
• Reviews charging allegations and advises social workers on dependency petitions, represents social workers in juvenile dependency proceedings, and may present evidence and arguments in juvenile dependency proceedings;
• Represents the County in litigation including interpretation and applying legal authorities in the preparation of pleadings, briefs and other litigation documents, case p0reparation, court appearances, and motion practice;
• Partners with and supports outside counsel representing the County;
• Interviews and prepares witnesses for testimony;
• Provides legal advice and represents County departments and jurisdictions in a variety of issues including general liability and tax related claims, and appeals for assessment of property;
• Provides training to departments on legal issues and responsibilities;
• Reviews and interprets current legislation and litigation relevant to County services and/or administration. Advises County personnel and Board of Supervisors on relevancy of such legislation and litigation;
• Reviews a variety of contracts to ensure compliance with payment and legal implications;
• Reviews a variety of subdivision maps, plans, codes and procedures to ensure compliance with State and local rules, regulations and laws;
• Prepares probate, conservatorship and accounting petitions and presents evidence and arguments on behalf of the Public Guardian;
• Represents and advises County personnel in labor and employment matters, including disciplinary appeals and grievance proceedings;
• Makes presentations before the Board of Supervisors. Represents the County in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies, professional, business and community organizations. Assists department heads and staff in establishing operational policies by developing and applying legal points and procedures. Recommends changes to department policies and procedures to meet changing legal requirements;
• Meets and negotiates with outside parties in matters arising out of claims, property transactions, and other County business;
• Attend and participates in professional group meetings and committees. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of municipal law. Researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs;
• When assigned as Deputy County Counsel IV, may provide work direction to paralegal, clerical and related office support staff and informally reviews and evaluates their work product; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

State and Federal Code dealing with the authority and responsibility of public entities.

Deputy County Counsel I
Basic principles and practices of civil, constitutional and administrative law and their application; basic practices, principles, and methods of legal principles, statutory law and legal research; trail and administrative hearing procedures and the rules of evidence; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; and techniques for providing a high level of customer services by effectively dealing with public, vendors, contractors and County staff.

Deputy County Counsel II (in addition to above)
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; basic pre-trial, trial and administrative hearing rules and procedures; and legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to common government agency legal problems.

Skill and Ability To:

Deputy County Counsel I
Learn to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems found in government agency practices; learn to analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments; learn to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written form; present law, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.

Deputy County Counsel II, III, and IV
Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the County and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, businesses, professionals, and regulatory and legislative organizations; analyze and apply complex legal principles, facts and evidence to legal problems; follow pre-trial, trial and administrative hearing rules and procedures; analyze and draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal documents; analyze, investigate, explain and write reports on legal matters; interview and prepare witnesses for testimony; and make recommendations and/or determinations concerning the advisability to prosecute, compromise or dismiss civil litigation.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.

Deputy County Counsel I
Experience within a legal office or environment, in a lessor capacity or internship desired.

Deputy County Counsel II
Two (2) years of professional legal experience at a level equivalent to the Deputy County Counsel I.

• Must possession of a valid California driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Must possess and maintain active membership in the State Bar of California.