Assistant County Counsel I

Washington County, Oregon; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 123,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County seeks an Assistant County Counsel I to support a broad range of legal work for county departments. You will conduct legal research, prepare cases and documents, and help interpret laws and ordinances. Work is supervised by County Counsel and Deputy County Counsel, with growing responsibilities as you gain experience.

The role involves advising department heads, drafting opinions, and assisting in civil litigation, with attendance at meetings and trials as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor required; admission to the Oregon State Bar within 30 days of hire.
• Minimum three years of professional-level legal experience in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to county leadership and draft opinions and settlement agreements.
• Research statutes, regulations, and case law to support cases and analyses.
• Prepare cases for trial and assist in enforcement and defense of county actions.
• Attend meetings, hearings, and trials; offer real-time legal guidance to boards and departments.
• Perform related duties as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Government law

Oral and written communication

Civil litigation support

Trial preparation

Statutes interpretation

Relationship building

Education

BS/BA + JD from accredited school

Job description

Note : This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Range:

$122,996.64 - $151,734.12 Salary

Department:

County Counsel

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning November 17th. Applications submitted on or after this date will be reviewed as needed.

The County is seeking an Assistant County Counsel I to support a wide range of legal work for County departments and programs. The position handles legal research, prepares cases and documents, and assists with interpreting and applying laws and ordinances. Work is supervised by the County Counsel and Deputy County Counsel, with responsibilities expanding as the employee gains experience and familiarity with County practices.

The role includes advising department heads, managers, and staff on legal questions, preparing written opinions, drafting settlement agreements, and researching statutes, regulations, and case law. The position also helps prepare cases for trial in state and federal court, works on ordinance enforcement and civil commitment matters, and assists in defending the County and its employees in civil actions. Attendance at board and commission meetings, hearings, and trials is part of the work and requires providing clear legal guidance in real time.

Duties include:

• Providing legal advice to County leadership, preparing written legal opinions, and drafting settlement agreements.
• Researching and interpreting statutes, regulations, court decisions, and other legal authorities and applying findings to cases, briefs, and legal analyses.
• Preparing cases for trial, assisting with enforcement and civil commitment matters, and helping defend the County and its employees in litigation.
• Participating in meetings, hearings, and trials and offering legal guidance to boards, commissions, and other County partners.
• Performing other related duties as needed.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Understanding of legal principles, practices, procedures, and terminology.
• Knowledge of civil and local government law.
• Familiarity with Oregon Revised Statutes, Rules of Civil Procedure, and related legal frameworks.
• Understanding of trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• Skill in legal research and in working with statutes, case law, and other legal materials.
• Understanding of appellate processes.
• Ability to analyze legal issues and apply relevant laws, facts, and precedents.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively in writing and in person.
• Ability to gather, assess, and interpret information using established research methods.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) AND Juris Doctor (JD) graduate from an accredited college or university AND three (3) years of professional-level legal experience.

Additional Requirements

• Membership in the Oregon State Bar Association within 30 days of hire
• Must pass a background investigation.

About the Department/Division:

The Office of County Counsel provides legal advice and representation to Washington County. The office supports the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff, all County departments, and County employees. It also represents the Washington County Housing Authority, the Fair Board, the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, the Urban Road Maintenance District, the Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services.

County Counsel represents these groups in civil litigation, judicial appeals, administrative proceedings, including matters before the Land Use Board of Appeals, and in enforcement actions. The office also handles general legal services such as resolving legal and contractual issues, drafting local ordinances, and reviewing state and federal legislation to understand how it may affect County operations, programs, and services.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here .

Our commitment to you:

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community .

Veterans' Preference:

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for V