County Counsel

• The Board of Supervisors
• County Elected Officials
• County Executive Office
• County Appointed Officials
• County Departments, Offices, Boards, and Commissions
• Some Independent Districts

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the County Counsel's Office; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to serve as legal advisor to the County government and special districts as directed by the Board of Supervisors.

The Director level recognizes classes with full responsibility for the administration of a County department.

• Serve as legal advisor to the County Board of Supervisors, and County Departments; may also serve special districts within the County.
• Submit opinions, when requested, to County or district officers on matters relating to their respective offices.
• Supervise and may participate in the work of staff engaged in collecting moneys due the County and preparing opinions, school bond election papers, school tax rate increase election papers and other legal documents.
• Develop, plan and implement office goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Coordinate office activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Board of Supervisors; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the office's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the office budget; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the office.
• Represent the office to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in professional legal work, including three years of practice in civil law performing duties similar to a Senior Deputy County Counsel in Placer County, one year of which must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

Training: Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

License or Certificate:

• Admission to practice before State and Federal courts.
• Active membership 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.

Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of civil, constitutional and administrative law.
• Responsibilities, powers and statutory limitations of the County Counsel's office.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents and to present such material orally and in writing in clear and logical form.
• Analyze, appraise and/or draft a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the County Counsel's Office.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve Department related issues; remember various rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means.
• Develop and implement Department policies and procedures.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Successfully develop, control and administer Departmental budget and expenditures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply County policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

All completed applications submitted by the final filing date will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for review.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for Appointed Department Heads.