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NEOGOV · 2 months ago

Deputy County Counsel III - Litigation

Santa Rosa, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$169K/yr - $205K/yr

2+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking a skilled litigation attorney to join the County Counsel team in Sonoma County. The role involves providing legal counsel and guidance primarily in civil law litigation, including defense and affirmative litigation for various county departments.

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Responsibilities

Prepare and present civil cases before various administrative bodies, as well as state and federal courts

Advise departments such as Human Resources/Risk, Sheriff's Office, Probation, District Attorney, and Public Defender

Handle a variety of County Counsel’s practice areas, including County Operations, Resources, and Environment (CORE), and Health and Human Services

Focus on civil or public law litigation defense, including discovery, trial, writ, appellate work, and Public Records Act compliance

Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems

Develop and maintain effective relationships with staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, and the public

Qualification

Civil litigationLegal researchTrial proceduresPublic lawEmployment lawEnvironmental lawAdministrative lawWriting skillsInterpersonal skillsLeadership skillsProblem-solving skillsOral communication

Required

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed

Normally, two years of legal experience practicing civil law as a licensed attorney, at least one year of which was with a public agency performing duties comparable to a Deputy County Counsel II; or comparable experience in private practice

Current active membership in the State Bar of California

Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position

Considerable knowledge of written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition

Considerable knowledge of the principles and application of civil law

Considerable knowledge of legal research methods

Considerable knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations and authorities of the Office of the County Counsel

Considerable knowledge of trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence

Considerable knowledge of the organization, powers, and limitations of local governmental functions

Considerable knowledge of the statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California

Ability to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems

Ability to prepare, present and conduct cases of law in court

Ability to present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with other staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, members of advisory and policy-making bodies, the courts and the public

Ability to analyze and draft ordinances and regulations

Preferred

Experience with or having a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas: civil litigation generally from pre-trial through appeals, employment and labor law, writs, probate law, land use law, including code enforcement, environmental law, administrative law, legislative drafting, contracts, housing law, real property law, Brown Act, federal Indian law, FOIA/PRA, water law, cannabis/agricultural/timber regulation, taxes and fees, and/or constitutional law

Strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Highly effective research, writing, and oral communication skills

Initiative, high standards, and the drive to set and achieve goals

A proven interest in continuous learning and professional growth

Values that promote and support advancing the same motivations and qualities in others

Commitment to upholding ethical standards and identifying and eliminating bias

Benefits

Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range

Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Deputy County Counsel IV ($90.62 - $110.16/hour)

Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year

Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities

County Paid Health Premium Contributions- 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options

Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement- County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits

Retirement- A pension fully integrated with Social Security

Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3%/1.9% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution

Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment

Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more

Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment

Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education