Senior

County of Shasta•Redding, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The County Counsel provides most of the civil legal services required by the County. The County Counsel represents the County and its officers and employees in civil actions. The office drafts or reviews for legal sufficiency all proposed legislation, contracts, leases, deeds, ordinances, and resolutions. Statutory interpretation and the issuance of legal opinions in response to requests from County officials comprise another major area of responsibility. The County Counsel also identifies and explains legal trends to assist in program planning. Deputy County Counsel I: Under close supervision, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsel's office; and to do related work as required. Deputy County Counsel II/III: Under supervision, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsel's office; and to do related work as required. Senior Deputy County Counsel: Under minimum direction, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsel's Office; and to do related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics: Deputy County Counsel I: This is the entry level in this series for the professionally qualified person with little if any pertinent experience. As incumbents become familiar with County operations, policies, and procedures, they are expected to handle varied and responsible legal work with a greater degree of independence and increased delegation of responsibilities; a Deputy County Counsel I may expect to qualify for the next higher class of Deputy County Counsel II. Deputy County Counsel II: At this level, professionally qualified persons normally have gained experience in the practice of law. Incumbents are expected to perform responsible legal work in civil matters and to complete regular assignments with limited supervision or assistance. Deputy County Counsel III: At this level, professionally qualified and experienced persons perform specialized legal work for the County in civil matters, in a relatively independent manner. This class differs from that of Deputy County Counsel II in that the civil matters handled generally are more varied, complex and sensitive. Senior Deputy County Counsel: This is a senior journey level position. At this level, professionally qualified and experienced persons perform specialized legal work for the County in civil matters, in a highly independent manner. This class differs from that of Deputy County Counsel III in that the civil matters handled generally are more varied, complex, and sensitive. In addition, this level recognizes long-term experience with an understanding of County legal problems and challenges; it is only available to attorneys who have been employed as a counsel for a California county or city for five years or have equivalent experience in civil and/or other governmental practice.

Requirements

Active membership in the State Bar of California.
Knowledge of legal principles and practices with special emphasis on the rules of evidence, and sections of the Civil and Government Codes directly pertinent to county government; and legal research methods.
Ability to perform legal research using traditional and computer-assisted resources.
Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.
Ability to present laws, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with those contacted in the course of work.
Knowledge of legal principles and practices, with special emphasis on the rules of evidence, Government Code and Civil Code provisions applicable to the functions of County government, and civil, constitutional, and administrative law and procedures; pre-trial and trial procedures; and legal research methods.
Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Ability to present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
Ability to effectively represent County employees, departments and special districts in legal proceedings and administrative hearings.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in providing legal representation and counsel to a California county or city (preferably as a deputy county counsel or deputy city attorney).
Substantial civil experience, preferably in representing a California county or city.
Strong public service orientation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to identify problems, research and develop solutions, and facilitate agreements between conflicting parties.

Responsibilities

Confers with and advises officers and employees of County departments and representatives of dependent special districts on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, functions and obligations.
Drafts or approves as to legal sufficiency ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents and instruments.
Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings and similar legal proceedings.
Makes court appearances.
Makes tentative decisions concerning advisability to prosecute, compromise, or dismiss civil litigation and discusses these decisions with superiors.
Performs legal research.
Prepares correspondence and reports.
Attends meetings of boards or commissions as requested to give legal counsel and advice.
Appears on behalf of clients in administrative and special proceedings.
Issues opinions on civil legal matters.
Represents the County, County agencies and County employees in actions brought by or against them, including preparation and trial of cases before courts and administrative agencies.
Participates in the settlement of claims for or against the County.
Provides legal counsel on matters of prosecution, compromise or dismissal of civil litigation.
Provides legal counsel on matters of prosecution, defense, compromise or dismissal of civil litigation.
Performs other legal services as needed.

Benefits

Holidays: 12 days per year and an additional floating holiday
Vacation: 10 days/year first 3 years; 15 days/year 4-9 years; 17 days/year 10-15 years; 20 days/year 16 years and thereafter.
Administrative Leave: 80 hours per calendar year.
Longevity: 3% increase after 10 years of continuous service with Shasta County. 5% stipend after 20 years of service.
Sick Leave: 12 days per year with a generous pro rata payoff at termination after at least 5 years
Retirement: CalPERS, coordinated with Social Security.
Insurance: Medical and dental plans, with the County paying for most of the employee and a portion of the dependent cost; a vision plan, a fully paid life insurance policy and long-term disability plan.
Deferred Compensation plan, IRC Section 125 plan
California State Bar Association dues are paid in full by the County.
A generous MCLE allowance and attendance at County Counsel Association conferences is provided at County expense.