Deputy General Counsel

Orange County Department of Education; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Orange County Department of Education is seeking a Deputy General Counsel to provide strategic legal advice and representation to OCDE, the County Superintendent of Schools, and executive leadership. This senior role involves handling complex civil litigation, employment and labor relations, governance, constitutional law, risk management, and charter school matters.

Under the General Counsel’s direction, the Deputy General Counsel will collaborate with risk management, outside counsel,

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience involving public entities.
• Direct experience handling complex civil litigation in areas relevant to public education and governance.
• Experience advising executive-level public officials and governing boards.
• Experience presenting complex legal matters and providing training to internal/external audiences.
• Proficiency with legal research, document preparation and management, and electronic communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to OCDE, the County Superintendent of Schools, and executive leadership.
• Manage civil litigation, employment and labor relations, governance, and constitutional law matters.
• Collaborate with Risk Management, outside counsel, insurers, and government agencies to protect OCDE’s interests.

Skills

Litigation

Public sector law

Executive advisory

Legal research

Training & presentations

Governance & risk management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Active California State Bar membership

Job description

The Orange County Department of Education is seeking an accomplished and highly experienced attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel. Under the direction of the General Counsel, this senior-level position provides strategic legal advice and representation to OCDE, the County Superintendent of Schools, executive leadership, and, as appropriate, the Orange County Board of Education. The Deputy General Counsel independently handles complex and sensitive matters involving civil litigation, employment and labor relations, governance, constitutional law, risk management, facilities and construction, administrative proceedings, workplace investigations, charter schools, and other legal issues affecting public education. The position also works closely with Risk Management, outside counsel, insurers, governmental agencies, and other partners to protect OCDE’s legal and institutional interests. The ideal candidate will be a trusted legal advisor with extensive public-agency experience, exceptional judgment, strong litigation skills, and the ability to translate complex legal matters into clear and practical guidance. OCDE is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented professional who demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and commitment to public service.

Education, Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California, which must be maintained throughout employment.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience involving public entities, with a substantial portion representing California public agencies, school districts, county offices of education, community college districts, or other governmental entities.
• Substantial direct experience handling complex civil litigation in multiple areas relevant to the position, such as public-entity liability, employment and labor law, civil rights, construction, charter schools, risk management, workplace investigations, or public contracting.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive-level public officials, governing boards, superintendents, senior administrators, or comparable organizational leaders.
• Experience presenting complex legal matters and providing professional training to internal and external audiences.
• Proficiency with legal research, document preparation and management, electronic communications, and other technology used in contemporary legal practice.

Requirements for Consideration

• A completed online application
• A current résumé
• A letter of introduction/cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position
• Three current letters of recommendation
• Verification of active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California