County of Mendocino - Mendocino, CA
posted 8 days ago
About the position
Mendocino County Counsel's Office seeks an experienced attorney with experience as a civil law generalist and litigator to provide legal representation, advice and counsel under the direction of the County Counsel to the County, its departments, officers, boards and commissions. The primary responsibility is to provide legal counsel to the County, its boards, commissions, department heads, and officers as assigned. The work consists of varied and complex professional duties. This is the journey-level position in the Deputy County Counsel series. At-Will position; exempt from Civil Service. Telework Option: County policy recognizes teleworking as a viable option for qualifying employees and County Counsel generally supports a mix of in-office and remote work depending on the particular departmental assignments.
Responsibilities
- Provides legal counsel and representation to the County, its boards, commissions and department heads and joint powers, authorities and commissions independent of the County and special districts.
- Attends board and commission meetings in capacity of legal advisor.
- Researches and prepares written and verbal legal opinions for clients upon request.
- Directs support staff regarding preparation of contracts, ordinances and resolutions, legal opinions and litigation.
- Assists in the negotiation and drafting of contracts; advises client with respect to legal ramifications of contracting.
- Conducts legal research by interpreting and applying state, federal and local laws and regulations, relevant case law and other legal sources.
- Directs complex and controversial cases; provides technical expertise and work direction to other attorneys as assigned.
- Reviews legal actions filed against County Counsel clients to determine appropriate response and responds as appropriate.
- Represents clients in state and federal court and before administrative tribunals.
- Represents clients in appellate matters before the state and federal courts.
- Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
- Conducts client workshops with respect to legal topics.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
- At least one year of full time experience as an attorney practicing governmental or civil law.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in the areas of employment/labor law, public resources, land use, and tort litigation.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
