General Counsel / Public Information ...

About the role

The Superior Court of California, County of Ventura seeks an innovative, dedicated, and forward-thinking leader to serve as General Counsel / Public Information Officer. The Court’s mission is to serve with excellence and maintain the public’s trust and confidence by providing equal justice and the highest quality of service to all. The Court is committed to the core values of Fairness, Access, Integrity, and Respect. Located along California’s stunning Pacific Coast, just 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Ventura County spans 1,845 square miles and is home to over 823,000 residents. With a rich history dating back more than 10,000 years, Ventura County was first inhabited by the Chumash people, skilled fishermen and maritime traders. Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, and by 1782, Mission San Buenaventura was established, sparking growth in the region. During the 1830s and 1840s, ranching and agriculture became central to the county’s economy, laying the foundation for its future prosperity. Today, Ventura County is the 12th most populous county in California and is celebrated for its cultural diversity and strong community. Recognized as one of California’s top ten agricultural regions, the county also boasts a thriving economy with leading sectors in manufacturing, technology, and services, making it a vibrant place to live and work.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
• Active membership in the California State Bar in good standing
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the full-time practice of law
• Alternatively, active membership in the State Bar of California in good standing and 5 years’ experience as a supervising attorney for a California Superior Court
• Demonstrated experience managing teams of attorneys and legal staff (preferred)
• Must be able to legally drive or have the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when necessary to carry out job-related essential functions

Pay

The current salary range for the General Counsel / Public Information Officer position is $176,188.34‑$229,044.84 annually, with placement within this range dependent upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Relocation – Up to $10,000 in relocation expenses if moving from outside Ventura County
• Educational Incentive – 5% for a doctoral degree (in addition to required juris doctorate degree); proof of completion required
• Vacation Leave – 176 hours per year, increasing to 208 hours after 5 years of service
• Sick Leave – 12 days or 96 hours of sick leave per calendar year
• Deferred Compensation – Eligible to participate in Ventura County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or Section 457 Plan; eligible for up to a three percent (3%) match on 401(k) contributions
• Health Plan – Flexible cash contributions towards the purchase of court‑sponsored health plans for benefit‑eligible employees
• Dental or Vision Plans – Court‑sponsored dental and vision plans available for benefit‑eligible employees
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Choice of participation in FSAs which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre‑tax dollars for IRS‑approved dependent care and health care expenses
• Defined Benefit Plan – Both the Ventura Superior Court and employees contribute to the defined retirement plan and to Social Security; the Court shall “pick‑up” a share of the normal contribution required for a “Classic” employee member to the VCERA retirement system; reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems if eligible
• Holidays – 14 paid days per year, plus 1 personal floating holiday
• Other Benefits – Court‑paid premiums for life insurance up to $50,000 and Long‑Term Disability benefits available