County Counsel

Yamhill County • McMinnville, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

County Counsel advises and represents the various boards, commissions, officers, employees and agents of Yamhill County on civil legal matters. This is a regular, full-time position. The County Counsel exercises independent professional judgment under the direction of the Board of Commissioners and consults with the District Attorney on matters of mutual concern. The role supervises Assistant County Counsel, Senior Assistant County Counsel, Paralegal and related secretarial support staff.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• A minimum of 4 years prior active experience as an attorney required, at least 2 of which must have been in a full-time government law position.
• Must be admitted to practice law in the state of Oregon and the United States District Court for the District of Oregon at the time of appointment and must maintain membership in good standing throughout appointment.
• Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Oregon, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation.
• May be required to drive a County vehicle.
• Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle on County business are required to carry a valid driver’s license and liability insurance minimums as outlined in ORS 806.070.
• May be subject to successful completion of a background check.
• Regular, prompt, and consistent attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Proficient use of a personal computer and dictation equipment.
• Presenting cases before trial and appellate courts or administrative bodies.

Responsibilities

• Attends meetings of the Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission as well as other such meetings as deemed necessary by the counsel or board.
• Drafts ordinances, board orders, resolutions, and other required paperwork to enable the board to transact county business.
• Provides legal assistance to various county departments for enforcing ordinances governing zoning, building, solid waste, dog control, and other areas by supervising investigations, preparing complaints, and appearing in court as necessary.
• Represents Yamhill County in state and federal trial courts, and in bankruptcy, appellate, and tax courts on civil matters where the county is a party. Also represents Yamhill County before administrative agencies such as the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the Employment Appeals Board, the Department of Revenue and others.
• Represents Yamhill County in land use appeals to the Land Use Board of Appeals.
• Prepares legal opinions on questions referred by various county departments.
• Advises county departments on legal matters relating to public contracts, public purchases, and public sales and transfers by the county.
• Reviews and prepares contract documents to which the county is a party.
• Prepares and processes tax foreclosure proceedings for delinquent property taxes and collects delinquent personal property taxes through supplementary proceedings.
• Reviews and prepares deeds for sale or acquisition of real property or any interest in real property such as leases, easements, or road dedications.
• Evaluates and responds to referrals from the planning department in connection with planning and zoning matters.
• Prosecutes violations of Yamhill County ordinances in district court.
• Investigates and administers all claims against Yamhill County for personal and property damage.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays per year.
• 19.5 days of Flexible Earned Time (FET) accrual in the first year (based on an 8-hr day).
• PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) - 100% employer funded contributions.
• Full health benefit offerings with employee premiums starting as low as $89.02/month for PPO and $0 monthly for HMO for 2026 to 2027 plan year.
• Qualifying employer for public service student loan forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level