Litigation Deputy County Counsel

County of Santa Barbara•Santa Barbara, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you an experienced litigator with a commitment to justice and public service? We are currently accepting applications to fill one vacancy for a Litigation Deputy County Counsel for the Office of County Counsel. The job classification for this position is Deputy County Counsel IV. This position is home-based in Santa Barbara and may be eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule depending on the position requirements and needs of the department. The position requires onsite work that may include travel throughout the County as needed. Note: remote work must be completed within the State of California. As part of a dynamic team, you will work on complex cases that make a real impact on our community. This position offers flexibility, including remote and hybrid work options. If you're ready to take on challenging legal issues, foster collaboration, and make a difference, we want to hear from you! THE POSITION: Under general direction, the selected candidate will perform professional legal work, including civil litigation; prepare legal pleadings and give legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, and districts; and do related work as required. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Santa Barbara County's Office of County Counsel offers a great career opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in the public sector. Our work impacts a broad range of significant legal issues in beautiful Santa Barbara County. We support the County's elected and appointed decision-makers, its advisory boards and commissions, and the departments that implement the County's operations and programs.

Requirements

Active membership in the State Bar of California
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or six (6) years in the practice of general civil law
One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with Santa Barbara County
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities
Possession of a "valid" California Class C Driver’s License may be required at time of appointment
Incumbents must be willing and able to travel throughout the County and other jurisdictions on a regular basis
Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of the county, the courts, school and special districts, and other public agencies; civil law codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law; code of Professional Conduct and Rules of Ethics
Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; engage in legal research; work effectively with others

Nice To Haves

Strong legal research and analytical skills
At least three years of experience handling civil litigation matters
Ability to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues and arguments clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing
Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team
Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences
Good professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and anticipating consequences of decisions and recommendations
Ability to remain calm and act professionally, especially under stressful conditions
Ability to adapt to change and adjust to fluid work environment
Positive attitude, impeccable character, and strong commitment to public service

Responsibilities

Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs
Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, appeals, and judgments
Confers with and advises county, district, and judicial officers, employees, and representatives on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, and obligations
Engages in all aspects of civil discovery, including not limited to propounding and responding to discovery and handling depositions
Represents the county in lawsuits by or against the county
Prepares and/or reviews contracts, agreements, leases, and deeds for legality
Conducts administrative hearings before state and county agencies
Engages in legal research
Performs related work such as preparing petitions, legal instruments, reports, and correspondence