Assistant County Counsel, Senior

Washington County; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 174,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County is seeking a Senior Assistant County Counsel to provide comprehensive legal services for County departments. You will advise elected officials and staff, support diverse service areas, and appear in court proceedings, hearings, contracting matters, and other transactional work.

Prior experience in land use and public works is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will handle complex issues with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong problem-solving, collaboration,

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transactional legal work.
• Ability to provide legal advice on federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting a wide range of County functions.
• Skill in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, and other legal documents across diverse service areas.
• Ability to interpret and ensure compliance with complex regulatory requirements applicable to County operations.
• Skill in representing public agencies in legal proceedings, including coordinating tort claims and grievances.
• Ability to develop, review, and assist in implementing policies for major County programs or service districts.

Responsibilities

• Provide a full range of legal services to assigned County departments.
• Represent the County in court proceedings, administrative hearings, contracting matters, and other transactional work.
• Offer general legal advice and counsel to County elected officials and staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues and County leaders to advance departmental and County goals.

Skills

Transactional law

Legal counsel advising

Contract drafting & negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Public sector law

Interpersonal communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission (Oregon)

Bachelor's degree

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

$173,756.04 - $214,389.96 Salary

Department

County Counsel

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

About The Opportunity

Washington County Counsel’s Office provides advice and analysis to County departments and represents the County in civil litigation at local, state, and federal levels, as well as in administrative and enforcement proceedings. We deliver high‑quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Office, and all County departments and employees, along with several County service districts and affiliated entities.

As a Senior Assistant County Counsel, you will provide a full range of legal services to assigned County departments. This role includes offering general legal advice and counsel to County elected officials and staff, supporting operations across varied service areas, and representing the County in court proceedings, administrative hearings, contracting matters, and other transactional work. The ideal candidate will have experience in all areas related to land use and public works. While this experience is preferred it is not necessary.

The position requires handling complex legal issues with minimal supervision, applying strong problem‑solving and innovative legal thinking, and partnering with clients to create solutions that advance departmental and County goals. You will work collaboratively with colleagues and County leaders. If you have a passion for public service and seek an opportunity to support your community through your legal expertise, we encourage you to apply.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• Extensive experience in transactional legal work.
• Ability to provide legal advice on federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting a wide range of County functions.
• Skill in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, and other legal documents across diverse service areas.
• Ability to interpret and ensure compliance with complex regulatory requirements applicable to County operations.
• Skill in representing public agencies in legal proceedings, including coordinating tort claims and grievances.
• Ability to develop, review, and assist in implementing policies for major County programs or service districts.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and support staff.
• Demonstrated high‑quality legal work, strong work ethic, and a team‑oriented approach.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning.
• High standards of professional competence and integrity.
• Experience interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for government agencies, large corporations, or other complex organizations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Minimum Qualifications

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Assistant County Counsel, Senior

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA); AND
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university; AND
• At least seven (7) years of professional legal experience related to the position.

Additional Requirements

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

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 Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [e-mail] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status Of Your Application

You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice:

Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.