Litigation Deputy County Counsel

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement reciprocity

Advanced vacation accrual

Job summary

County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced Litigation Deputy County Counsel IV to handle civil litigation and provide legal counsel to county departments. The position is home-based in Santa Barbara and may offer a hybrid remote schedule; some onsite work and travel within the county may be required.

This role supports the Office of County Counsel in serving the public interest. Ideal candidates will have strong research and analytical skills, several years of civil litigation experience,

Qualifications

• Active membership in the State Bar of California is required.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in public law or six years in general civil law.
• Ability to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues clearly and succinctly.

Responsibilities

• Study, interpret, and apply laws and authorities for cases, briefs, and opinions.
• Prepare legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, appeals, and judgments.
• Counsel county departments, boards, and districts on legal questions and obligations.
• Engage in civil discovery, including propounding/responding and taking depositions.
• Represent the county in lawsuits involving the county.
• Prepare and/or review contracts, leases, and deeds for legality.
• Conduct administrative hearings before state and county agencies.
• Engage in legal research; produce petitions, instruments, reports, and correspondence.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Civil litigation

Teamwork

Stakeholder relations

Judgment

Stress management

Adaptability

Public service

Job description

Description

Are you an experienced litigator with a commitment to justice and public service? We are currently accepting applications to fill one vacancy for a Litigation Deputy County Counsel for the Office of County Counsel. The job classification for this position is Deputy County Counsel IV.

This position is home-based in Santa Barbara and may be eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule depending on the position requirements and needs of the department. The position requires onsite work that may include travel throughout the County as needed. Note: remote work must be completed within the State of California.

As part of a dynamic team, you will work on complex cases that make a real impact on our community. This position offers flexibility, including remote and hybrid work options. If you're ready to take on challenging legal issues, foster collaboration, and make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Position Summary

Under general direction, the selected candidate will perform professional legal work, including civil litigation; prepare legal pleadings and give legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, and districts; and do related work as required.

Department

Santa Barbara County's Office of County Counsel offers a great career opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in the public sector. Our work impacts a broad range of significant legal issues in beautiful Santa Barbara County. We support the County's elected and appointed decision-makers, its advisory boards and commissions, and the departments that implement the County's operations and programs.

Benefits

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For additional information, please visit the county website. Applicants from other public sector employers may also qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Ideal Candidate

• Strong legal research and analytical skills
• At least three years of experience handling civil litigation matters
• Ability to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues and arguments clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team
• Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Good professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and anticipating consequences of decisions and recommendations
• Ability to remain calm and act professionally, especially under stressful conditions
• Ability to adapt to change and adjust to a fluid work environment
• Positive attitude, impeccable character, and strong commitment to public service

Examples of Duties

1. Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs;
2. Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, appeals, and judgments;
3. Confers with and advises county, district, and judicial officers, employees, and representatives on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, and obligations;
4. Engages in all aspects of civil discovery, including not limited to propounding and responding to discovery and handling depositions;
5. Represents the county in lawsuits by or against the county;
6. Prepares and/or reviews contracts, agreements, leases, and deeds for legality;
7. Conducts administrative hearings before state and county agencies;
8. Engages in legal research;
9. Performs related work such as preparing petitions, legal instruments, reports, and correspondence.

Employment Standards

Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND

1. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or six (6) years in the practice of general civil law; OR,
2. One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with Santa Barbara County; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at time of appointment. Incumbents must be willing and able to travel throughout the County and other jurisdictions on a regular basis.

Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of the county, the courts, school and special districts, and other public agencies; civil law codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law; code of Professional Conduct and Rules of Ethics.

Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; engage in legal research; work effectively with others.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.