Deputy County Counsel - Exempt

About the role

The Contra Costa County Counsel’s Office offers an exciting career opportunity for attorneys interested in public service. The office is recruiting for three attorneys to serve as Deputy County Counsels – Exempt: two to serve in the General Law Division, and one to serve in the Juvenile Dependency/Conservatorship Division. Our office has a collegial working environment and offers opportunities for professional growth. We engage in high-profile, complex, intellectually challenging, and meaningful legal work while encouraging a work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Advise Boards, Commissions, and Departments of the County and several outside public agencies.
• Handle all aspects of advising and representing a public agency and its departments, including providing timely and accurate legal advice.
• Prepare ordinances, resolutions, formal legal opinions, and other documents.
• Review and draft contracts, leases, and other legal instruments.
• Work with staff on complex transactional matters.
• Advising and serving as counsel to boards, commissions, and hearing bodies, including occasional evening meetings.
• Handle all aspects of civil litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts.
• Participate in mediations, negotiations, and administrative hearings.
• Collaborate with outside counsel.

Requirements

• License Required: Candidates must possess a valid California motor vehicle operator's license.
• Experience: Basic Exempt Level: One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing attorney. Standard Exempt Level: Two (2) years of full-time experience as a practicing attorney. Advanced Exempt Level: Four (4) years of full-time experience as a practicing attorney.

Qualifications

• Active member of the State Bar of California.

Skills

• Able to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing.
• Think strategically and exercise exceptional professional judgment.
• Able to develop positive, long-term working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Commitment to maintaining a collegial and supportive office culture.
• Strong commitment to public service.
• Maintain high standards of professional ethics and personal integrity.

Benefits

• Annual leave accruals of three weeks of vacation leave (to start), 24 hours of floating holiday leave, and 96 hours of sick leave.
• Up to 94 hours of management leave annually (currently granted in January of each year).
• 11 paid County holidays (annually).
• A choice of health, dental, and vision plans with a significant employer contribution toward the cost of premiums for employees and any dependents.
• A defined benefit pension through the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association, subject to vesting and other requirements.
• The option to participate in a 457(b) deferred compensation plan with eligibility for an employer contribution after meeting eligibility requirements.
• Allowance for continuing education, conferences, and membership dues, subject to the County Counsel’s approval.
• Reimbursement of State Bar dues.

Pay

• Advanced Level, Deputy County Counsel - Advanced - Exempt: $17,565.78 - $20,880.19 monthly.
• Standard Level, Deputy County Counsel - Standard - Exempt: $14,410.05 - $17,129.02 monthly.
• Basic Level, Deputy County Counsel - Basic - Exempt: $11,821.25 - $14,051.76 monthly.

Schedule

• Full-time regular attorneys also receive generous County benefits.