Assistant County Counsel I/II

Washington County•Hillsboro, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant County Counsel I/II with Washington County provides comprehensive legal services to assigned departments and represents the County throughout all stages of civil litigation, including investigations, hearings, trials, and appeals. They advise clients on legal and risk management matters, appear before courts and administrative bodies, and support a wide range of public agency legal issues. This role requires handling complex legal matters with minimal supervision, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop practical, solutions-oriented legal strategies. Collaboration, clear communication, and effective client partnership are essential. If you are motivated by public service and eager to use your legal expertise to support a dynamic and growing community, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Knowledge of Oregon and Federal civil litigation
Understanding of civil and local government law
Skilled in managing discovery, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations
Ability to spot legal issues and apply legal principles, evidence, and precedents
Strong legal research and analytical abilities
Clear, logical written and oral communication
Experience with Oregon Circuit Court, Oregon Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court, and Ninth Circuit practices
Ability to negotiate settlements and advise clients effectively
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and independently
High standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity
Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) AND Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university
Five (5) years of experience in all aspects of state or federal civil litigation (for Assistant County Counsel II)
Trial, arbitration, and mediation experience
Three (3) years of professional-level legal experience (for Assistant County Counsel I)
Membership in the Oregon State Bar Association within 30 days of hire
Must pass a background investigation

Responsibilities

Pursues and defends legal actions in state and federal courts, including the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Researches and analyzes legal and factual issues
Prepares and responds to discovery requests and conducts and defends depositions
Prepares, drafts, and revises legal pleadings, motions, and appellate filings
Presents cases at pretrial hearings, trials, mediations, and arbitrations
Researches, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities and precedents when preparing cases, opinions, and briefs
Attends meetings with County departments to provide legal advice and counsel
Represents the County before state and federal administrative bodies