Closing Date: 1st July, 2024

Description:

The Position:
Why join the Contra Costa County Counsel's Office?
Contra Costa County is seeking highly motivated, career-oriented attorneys, with strong academic credentials and excellent research and writing skills, to fill one or more Deputy County Counsel - Exempt positions in the General Law Division. Attorneys selected to work in the General Law Division are expected to handle all aspects of advising and representing a public agency and its departments, boards, and commissions. They may be asked to prepare formal legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, and other documents; analyze and draft contracts, leases, and other legal instruments; prepare pleadings; serve as counsel to hearing bodies; handle civil trials, civil writ matters, and other litigation; and participate in mediations, negotiations, and administrative hearings. Attorneys applying for a position in this division should highlight their training and experience in one or more of the following areas: solid waste and/or hazardous waste law; business transactions, including contract drafting and negotiating; construction, procurement, and real estate law; land use law; public finance and taxation; employment and labor law; and general civil litigation, including civil writ matters.

The work of the County Counsel's Office is diverse, fast paced, and high-profile, and requires the desire and ability to assume responsibility and build positive, long-term client relationships. The ideal candidate for the position will be articulate, energetic, and approachable, with exceptional analytical skills and professional judgment. Successful applicants must be able to relate well to colleagues, clients, and the courts, have the ability to think strategically and creatively, and have the ability to foster collaborative work relationships among stakeholders involved in negotiations.

In recognition of the possibility of conflicts of interest, Deputy County Counsels – Exempt are required to refrain from private law practice. Attorneys are required to furnish personal transportation and may seek mileage reimbursement for work-related travel in accordance with County policy.

We are looking for someone who:

Can work in a fast paced, and high-profile environment
Has the ability to think strategically and creatively
Will be articulate and energetic
Possesses exceptional analytical skills and judgement
Can relate well to colleagues, clients, and the courts
Has the ability to assume responsibility and build client relationships
Has excellent writing skills

What you will typically be responsible for:

Participating in hearings and meetings
Presenting cases persuasively in both court and administrative proceedings
Offering and negotiating solutions consistent with applicable laws and policy direction
Drafting a variety of legal documents
Using good judgment in setting priorities and allocating time
Maintaining effective working relationships with staff and clients
Keeping supervisor informed of significant cases and assignments

A few reasons you might love this job:

We adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality, and we value diversity
You will have an opportunity to serve the public as you advise a wide variety of clients
The work is intellectually challenging and fast-paced
You will work in a team environment with supportive colleagues
You will enjoy a work-life balance, with the opportunity to accrue up to three weeks of vacation leave and other leave benefits

A few challenges you might face in this job:

Adjusting to County government functions and interplay of the departments
Becoming familiar with local Superior Court rules and procedures, and administrative agencies
Competing litigation, advisory, and transactional deadlines

Competencies Required:

Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
Political & Organizational Savvy: Working skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries
Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objectives
Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
Innovation: Imagining and devising new and better ways of doing things
Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

Minimum Qualifications:
Registration: Active member of the State Bar of California

Experience:
Standard Level: Four (4) years of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience as a practicing attorney.

Desirable Qualifications: