Deputy County Counsel I/ Ii/ III

Yuba County; Riverside (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Yuba County is seeking qualified Deputy County Counsel I-III to start in January 2027. After probation, one telework day per week may be permitted.

The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate, CA bar admission, and experience advising county departments and handling civil litigation and contract work. Responsibilities include legal research, analysis, and writing, interpreting complex laws, and providing timely, practical advice to public entities.

Qualifications

• Requires JD from an accredited law school.
• Preferred: 1 year of civil law attorney experience in California.
• Attention to detail, strong analytical and writing skills.
• Ability to provide practical, timely legal advice to County bodies and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and policies.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice to County departments, boards, and public agencies.
• Assist in civil litigation, including case preparation, motions, hearings, trials, and appellate matters; draft and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Legal research & writing

Civil litigation experience

Public agency advisory

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Job Summary

We are currently accepting applications for this position with an intended start of January 2027. Possible availability to telework one day per week after passing probationary period upon employment.

Hiring Range:

• Deputy County Counsel I: $105,414.40 - $115,960.00/Annually
• Deputy County Counsel II: $116,480.00 - $128,128.00/Annually
• Deputy County Counsel III: $128,710.40 - $141,585.60/Annually

The ideal candidate:

• Possesses strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and policies.
• Demonstrates sound legal judgment and the ability to provide clear, practical, and timely legal advice to County departments, boards, commissions, and other public agencies.
• Has experience or demonstrated ability in civil litigation, including case preparation, motions, hearings, trials, and appellate matters;contract drafting, review, and negotiation; and experience providing advice and counsel to public entities.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with elected officials, department leaders, staff, outside counsel, and members of the public.
• Is highly organized and able to independently manage a diverse caseload, competing priorities, and sensitive or time-critical matters.
• Works collaboratively and builds effective working relationships while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to develop expertise across a broad range of municipal and public agency legal issues.
• Is committed to public service, ethical practice, and protecting the legal interests of the County.

Qualifications

The minimum and preferred requirements are listed below. While the following requirements outline the minimum qualifications the County reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the job. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee further participation in selection procedures.

Education and Experience: Deputy County Counsel I: MINIMUM: Possession of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited school of law. PREFERRED: In addition to the minimum, one (1) year of professional experience as an attorney in the practice of civil law in the State of California.

Deputy County Counsel II: MINIMUM: Possession of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited school of law and one (1) year of professional experience as an attorney in the practice of law in the State of California. PREFERRED: In addition to the level-II minimum, two (2) years of experience equivalent to the County’s class of Deputy County Counsel I.

Deputy County Counsel III: MINIMUM: Possession of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited school of law and four (4) years of professional experience as an attorney in the practice of civil law in the State of California. PREFERRED: In addition to the level-III minimum, one (1) year of experience equivalent to the County’s class of Deputy County Counsel II.

Licenses and Certification:

• The ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license within ten (10) days of employment; maintain throughout employment.
• Prior to a conditional job offer, must have an active membership (in good standing) in the State Bar of California; maintain throughout employment.
• Be a member in good standing of the California State Bar Association. (NOTE: Recent law school graduates, who have taken the California Bar Exam and not yet received their results, may participate in a recruitment/examination process).

Special Requirements:

• Must successfully complete an extensive and thorough background investigation, which includes Live Scan fingerprinting required prior to hire.
• DMV printout prior to hire.
• Occasionally attend meetings and communicate outside of normal working hours.
• Occasionally travel overnight for work or training.
• Must file statements of economic interest with the Yuba County Clerk/Recorder.
• Will be required to perform disaster service activities pursuant to Government Code 3100-3109.