Deputy County Counsel I/II

Butte County•Oroville, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment is for Level I and Level II. The salary range for level I is $3,495.20 - $4,683.20 biweekly ($43.69 - $58.54 per hour). The salary range for level II is $4,057.60 - $5,436.80 biweekly ($50.72 - $67.96 per hour). Under general supervision, direction, and general direction, investigates, prepares, litigates and negotiates civil cases and contracts; represents the County Counsel in the management of legal issues in Butte County; and performs related duties as assigned. This is a multi-level professional classification series in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four (4) levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned duties. Positions in these classes are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level classification. Deputy County Counsel I: This is the entry level class in the Deputy County Counsel flexible classification series. Incumbents with professional-level experience learn and perform the less difficult and less complex legal work, such as County operations, policies and procedures, case research, preparation and contracts. The work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. 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 working level class in the Deputy County Counsel series performing professional legal work for a broader range of increasingly complex legal work, such as County operations, policies and procedures, case research, preparation and contracts. Incumbents regularly work on cases and contracts that are varied, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are aware of the operating procedures and policies of the County. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Requirements

State of California statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable federal rules and regulations.
Butte County rules, regulations, codes and policies.
Hearings and trial court processes, protocols and strategies.
Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.
Legal case management procedures and techniques.
County Counsel’s protocols and strategies of negotiation and litigation.
Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
Development, refinement and presentation of legal strategies.
Research and identify precedence in case law.
Negotiate contracts and agreements.
Litigate cases in a legal hearing and courtroom setting.
Review and assess legal issues and documents.
Effectively assess, interpret and apply complex civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
Utilize and evaluate electronic legal research and online systems.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited school of law.
Level I : None
Level II : One (1) year of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of civil law in the State of California equivalent to Deputy Counsel I.
Must be licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of California, remain active with all California Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record.
Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application.
Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Responsibilities

Represents the County on behalf of the County Counsel in researching, preparing, negotiating and litigating complex cases and contracts; manages assigned cases and assures that cases are resolved within office policy guidelines.
Confers with, and offers advice and counsel to County officials and employees; advises staff and litigants on legal issues, duties, functions and obligations; identifies policy and compliance issues, and proposes solutions.
Manages assigned cases; advises County departments and agencies; confers with case participants; negotiates agreements with opposing parties and counsel; anticipates problems and pursues solutions; develops case strategy.
Guides and assists legal staff; provides coaching, counseling and assistance on professional responsibilities, case management and negotiation strategy.
Researches, negotiates and resolves confidential and sensitive cases involving complex legal issues.
Reviews documents and motions filed in civil cases, provides assessment and recommendations; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether motions and lawsuits should be filed or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; conducts conferences with opposing parties and counsel concerning settlement of cases.
Conducts legal research; gathers and compiles legal instruments and documents; identifies and evaluates witnesses, records and other information required to present the case; prepares legal documents and analyses as required.
Represents the County on behalf of the County Counsel at hearings and trials; brings cases before Hearing Boards and the Courts; examines witnesses and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law and legal precedent.
Serves as a liaison between the County Counsel’s office and various organizations and state and federal agencies; serves on committees, task forces and other groups.
Performs other related duties as assigned.