County Counsel

JobAps; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Alameda County is seeking a seasoned County Counsel to serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Supervisors and executive team, overseeing outside counsel for complex litigation and guiding a department with a substantial staff and an $18 million budget.

The role requires strong public-sector legal expertise, political acumen, and prudent, discretional counsel aligned with the County’s mission and priorities.

Qualifications

• Current membership in the California State Bar.
• Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Experience patterns: five years as Deputy County Counsel or six years civil attorney, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Board of Supervisors and executive team on legal matters.
• Oversee outside counsel handling specialized or complex litigation.
• Lead a department with a total budget and a team of attorneys and staff.
• Manage risk, governance, and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Mentor staff and oversee succession planning within the Office of the County Counsel.

Skills

California State Bar

California Driver's License

Job description

DESCRIPTION

About The Position The County of Alameda, California, is seeking a seasoned legal executive to serve as its next County Counsel. Reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors, the County Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Supervisors, executive team, staff, commissions, and special districts, while also overseeing the work of outside counsel retained to handle specialized or complex litigation and legal matters affecting County government.

They will lead a department with a total budgeted staff of 80 and an annual budget of approximately $18 million and ideally bring broad public-sector legal expertise, sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to build trust, communicate effectively, navigate with discretion, and provide practical counsel in support of the County’s mission and strategic priorities.

About the County Operating under a charter form of government, the County of Alameda is guided by a five-member Board of Supervisors. With more than 10,000 employees across 21 agencies and departments and an annual budget of $6.7 billion, the County provides essential services including health care, social services, public works, elections, criminal justice, and public safety. Explore the County’s Vision 2036, Alameda County’s forward-thinking strategic framework focused on equity, well-being, and thriving communities.

About the Department The Office of the County Counsel provides legal guidance and representation to County leadership, departments, boards, commissions, and special districts, to assist the advancement of County initiatives in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This Office advises on a broad range of complex municipal law matters, supporting policy development, risk management, governance, and the delivery of essential public services to Alameda County’s diverse communities.

The County Counsel reports directly to the Board of Supervisors and oversees an operational budget of $18 million and a dedicated team of 54 attorneys, 5 paralegals, and 21 additional professional staff with the majority of staff and attorneys represented by one of three unions. The County Counsel is responsible for administration, team management and leadership, mentorship and succession planning while ensuring responsive, high-quality legal services.

This exciting role has the opportunity to oversee a vast legal portfolio, from child dependency and public assistance/public guardianship to land use, labor and employment, election law, and more. The Board seeks a trusted advisor who can effectively navigate the intersection of law, policy, and governance while remaining grounded in legal integrity, sound judgment, and public service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Either I The equivalent of five years full-time experience in the class of Deputy County Counsel, or the equivalent of two years full-time experience in the class of Senior Deputy County Counsel or the equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Assistant County Counsel or Chief Assistant County Counsel in the Alameda County classified service.
• Or II The equivalent of six years full-time, increasingly responsible experience as an attorney in the field of civil law.
• Or III Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.
• License: Current membership in the California State Bar. Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PLAN

Save the Dates: Panel interviews will take place in-person on December 9. Finalists will move forward to closed-session interviews with the Board of Supervisors, anticipated to take place in early January 2027.

Conclusion

Questions?

Please contact Lauren Gerson-Greene, with any questions:

By Phone: [phone] direct or 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll-free

By Email: [e-mail]