Chief Deputy County Counsel

Modesto, California, United States

About the Opportunity

Under general direction, this management position is responsible for planning, assigning, and supervising the work of others; performing highly specialized legal work; providing legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors, other county elected officials, county departments, offices, agencies, Brown Act boards and commissions; and other duties as assigned at the direction of the County Counsel.

The Chief Deputy County Counsel serves as a supervising attorney comparable to a supervising lawyer at a law firm. The candidate's responsibilities include supervising attorneys and other support staff within the County Counsel's Office, assigning cases, balancing workloads among Deputy County Counsels, providing policy direction and coordination, discussing litigation strategy, reviewing complex legal work and proposed settlements, and evaluating the productivity and performance of attorneys and support staff.

This role requires an attorney who is poised, professional, and present, and is expected to effectively manage personnel while continuing to provide high‑quality legal services to County clients.

Typical Tasks

• Provides support to the County Counsel and Assistant County Counsel;
• Confer with and provide guidance to their team, the County, and special district boards, officers, and employees on legal matters related to their duties, powers, functions, actions, and responsibilities;
• Assist in the planning and development of procedures, policies, and goals for the County Counsel office;
• Assist the County Counsel in selection, supervision, training, and development of Deputy County Counsels;
• Assign and review the work of subordinates and evaluate their performance;
• Supervise, provide direction and assistance to staff members in inter‑related casework and assignments;
• Stay informed and current on new legal principles that impact the county;
• Mentor and supervise the training of subordinate personnel;
• Review and evaluate matters, making appropriate comments and suggestions; assign them to Deputy County Counsels;
• Participate in the personnel selection; and
• Facilitate training for their teams.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

Knowledge

• Administration and management;
• The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the County Counsel;
• Legal principles and their application;
• Legal research methods;
• Practice and procedures of courts and administrative agencies of the State of California; and
• The principles of administrative and constitutional law.

Skills / Abilities

• Supervision and Management;
• Critical thinking;
• Complex problem solving;
• Judgment and decision making;
• Coach and motivate team members; and
• Conflict resolution.

Education / Experience

• The applicant must have at least one (1) year of experience as a Deputy County Counsel V or equivalent in other agencies and demonstrated managerial skills and leadership.

Licenses

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Application and Selection Procedures

Key steps: Application Review and Screening → Written Examination → Oral Examination → Eligible Lists.

Applications must be submitted on or before 5:00 p.m. on August 26, 2026.

Contact

For questions or additional information, please contact the Recruitment Analyst at (350) 207-5129.

Closing Date

August 26, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Pacific.