(Unclassified)
To assist the County Counsel in managing and directing the overall operations of the Office of County Counsel; to plan, organize and direct the activities of the office; to provide highly complex staff assistance to the County Counsel; to act for the County Counsel in the absence of or at the direction of the County Counsel; and to supervise the work of assigned subordinate staff.
The Chief Assistant County Counsel serves as full-line assistant to the County Counsel; assumes responsibility for a major division; performs general administrative tasks for the County Counsel; and acts of behalf of the County Counsel in the absence of or at the direction of the County Counsel.
Receives administrative direction from the County Counsel.
Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- In the absence of the County Counsel, assume the responsibility for the County Counsel’s Office.
- Advise the County Counsel on issues concerning all County departments or district offices; meet with and advise the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Officer, other County boards, commissions, district officers and County departments with respect to both legal advice and litigation.
- Prepare complex legal reports, opinions, briefs, and appeals.
- Perform research, investigations, and detailed legal preparation for the trial or defense of the County and/or direct civil litigation involving State and Federal courts, including, but not limited to, jury or court trials, law and motion, discovery, and appeals.
- Prepare or reply to correspondence concerning civil matters.
- Review and prepare proposed State legislative matters.
- Advise subordinates on the interpretation and application of statutes and decisional law ordinances and office policies and procedures.
- Assist the County Counsel in managing and directing the office.
- Assist in developing goals and objectives for the office.
- Develop and implement the County Counsel’s work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review, evaluate, and recommend changes; work with and assist subordinates with problems and recommend course of action.
- Oversee preparation of the office budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
- Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as requested; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the County Counsel’s Office.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
- Represent the Office to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance, as necessary.
- Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
- Perform a variety of special assignments and related duties as assigned.
Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and work odd or unusual hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law with substantial experience in civil, constitutional, and administrative legal work and litigation including four years of administrative and management responsibility in a senior or executive leadership role. At least two years of the total required experience must have been with a County Counsel’s Office preferably performing duties similar to a Supervising Deputy County Counsel in Placer County.
Training: A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Required License or Certificate:
- Admission to practice before State and Federal courts.
- Active membership in good standing in the California State Bar Association.
- May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
Length of Probation
This classification serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and has no specific term and no right to continuous employment.
Bargaining Unit