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County Counsel

Job Description:

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry. For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website. https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/prm/page/salary-information-position Definition Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, directs, manages, and reviews the services of the County Counsel Department. Serves as the legal advisor for the Board of Supervisors, all County departments, local school districts, special districts, and various boards and commissions, ensuring that decisions and policies are developed with an understanding of potential legal implications. Represents the County and local government entities in litigation and performs related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics This is the highest-level management classification within the County Counsel Department. The position is responsible for directing and managing all departmental operations while serving as the chief legal advisor to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, and local government agencies. This classification is an at-will, exempt position.

Reports To:
• Receives policy direction from the Board of Supervisors and administrative direction from the County Administrator.

Classifications Supervised:
• Assistant County Counsel
• Chief Deputy County Counsel
• Attorney I/II/III/IV
• Executive Assistant/Legal – Confidential Essential Functions
• Plan, organize, direct, and manage the services of the County Counsel Department.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and administer the department budget.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate department staff.
• Serve as the primary civil legal officer for the County, providing advice and opinions on legal matters.
• Provide legal services and advice to local school districts, special districts, boards, and commissions.
• Act as legal adviser and representative for special government entities, such as the Siskiyou County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, coordinating with State and Federal agencies as needed.
• Handle all aspects of Child Protective Services legal matters.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of County contracts, conveyances, and other legal documents.
• Conduct and/or oversee litigation for the County and local government entities; coordinate with outside counsel for specialized cases.
• Advise the Board of Supervisors and other clients on labor relations matters.
• Approve and/or prepare school district agreements, conveyances, and documents.
• Draft or oversee the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and other legislative documents.
• Prepare reports for local government entities on the effects of proposed or newly enacted legislation.
• Conduct educational seminars for clients.
• Advise the Grand Jury on civil matters.
• Represent County Judges upon request.
• Represent the County at conferences, community events, and meetings with citizens.
• Assist the County Clerk in reviewing conflict of interest documents and codes.
• Determine whether to pursue, settle, or dismiss civil litigation.
• Prepare pleadings, complaints, answers, and briefs; represent the County and local entities in court.
• Maintain effective communication with government officials, courts, agencies, and professional organizations.

Knowledge Of
• Principles of civil, constitutional, and administrative law
• California codes and statutes applicable to the functions and services of government agencies
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Legal research methods and computer-assisted legal research tools
• Budget development and control methods
• Principles of project planning, development, coordination, and direction
• Public administration, management, staff supervision, employee training, and work evaluation

Desired Skills
• Exceptional legal research, analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to manage staff and resources effectively.
• Develop and manage department budgets.
• Perform complex professional civil legal work and legal research.
• Prepare and present cases in all levels of court.
• Direct and manage case preparation and litigation strategy.
• Operate computers and utilize relevant legal software.
• Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, department heads, community organizations, and members of the public.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Knowledge of local government structure, operations, and applicable State and Federal laws.

Requirements:

Training And Experience Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these qualifications would be:
• Broad and extensive professional civil legal experience, including providing legal services to a governmental agency.
• A minimum of five (5) years of management or supervisory experience in a legal or public agency setting.

Special Requirements
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current and valid Driver's License.
• Current membership in the State Bar of California.

Typical Physical Requirements
• Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk
• Normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
• Lift and move objects up to 25 lbs.
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range
• Verbal communication ability
• Use of standard office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copier, and fax machine

Typical Working Conditions
• Primarily office-based work environment with occasional field assignments
• Regular contact with the public, staff, elected officials, and outside agencies.

Application Procedures:

Please apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/siskiyouca