Chief Deputy County Counsel (#EL2100)
$90.64-$110.18 Hourly / $15,711.42-$19,097.34 Monthly / $188,537.15-$229,168.08 Yearly

Under direction, supervises a major division of the department; assists the County Counsel in departmental management; provides legal services as assigned; and does related or other work as required.

An incumbent in this exempt class plans, organizes, and supervises the work of attorneys, clerical and technical staff within policy guidelines established by County Counsel. In additional to administrative and supervisory responsibilities, an incumbent provides legal services of a difficult and complex level to the Board of Supervisors, county departments, and special districts. The incumbent may be assigned as acting department head in the absence of the County Counsel.

• Plans, organizes and directs a portion of the legal and clerical activities of the County Counsel’s office; assigns, coordinates and reviews the work of attorneys and other staff. 
• Advises County agencies and special districts as assigned by the County Counsel. 
• Researches difficult and complex legal matters; writes opinions thereon. 
• Prepares important cases and prepares cases for trial; serves as counsel before appellate courts. 
• Supervises the work of staff and evaluates performance; assists in the selection and training of attorneys and other staff. 
• Prepares and reviews correspondence, briefs and reports. 
• Assists in the management of the County Counsel’s office and proposes procedural and organizational changes as needed; acts for County Counsel as assigned.

Experience: Four years in the practice of civil law, preferably with two years experience in a state, county or city legal office. At least one year of experience supervising attorneys is desirable.

License: Membership in the California State Bar is required.

Civil and procedural laws; the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research; statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California; the responsibilities, powers, and statutory limitations of the County Counsel’s Office; principles of management and supervision; basic computer and modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations.

Plan, assign, and review the work of staff and outside counsel; organize, analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedents, and to present such material orally and in writing in clear and logical form; draft, analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments; operate computers and related software; plan, assign, and review work of staff; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and court officials, clients, employees, and the general public.

Mobility-Operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time; driving; occasional pushing, pulling, bending, squatting; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasional 5 to 30 pounds; Visual-Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; public speaking; deal with emergency situations; Special Requirements-May require working weekends and nights; working alone; Environmental-Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.