Deputy County Counsel (Temporary)

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County. Are you an experienced attorney with a background in County Counsel or public sector legal work looking for a meaningful, flexible opportunity? We are seeking an experienced County Counsel attorney to provide temporary legal support for an anticipated period of three to six months. This opportunity offers a flexible schedule and the possibility of hybrid work, making it an excellent fit for a seasoned legal professional interested in continuing to contribute their expertise in a public service environment. Definition Deputy County Counsel is part of a career series for Deputy County Counsel I, II, III and IV. Under the direction of the County Counsel, attorneys in this series perform professional legal work by preparing and trying civil cases in the courts, providing legal advice and assistance to the County and its officers and agencies, and do other related work as required. Deputy County Counsel are confidential employees in that they contribute to the development or implementation of the County's employee relations policies and/or in the course of their duties have access to information relating to the County's administration of the employer-employee relations. Under State law and the County Employee Relations Policy, confidential employees have different rights of representation than those of other non-management employees. Typical Tasks and Representative Duties Under the direction of the County Counsel and Assistant County Counsel, an incumbent acts as legal adviser to the County and its officers, agencies, commissions, and districts in civil law matters; tries civil cases in State and Federal courts; tries administrative matters; prosecutes appeals; argues motions and other special proceedings; prepares legal opinions and memoranda based upon statutes, governmental regulations, court cases, and common law; prepares and presents legislative matters; prepares ordinances, resolutions, deeds, contracts, bonds, leases, and other legal instruments. Assignment may vary based on Interest and Experience. A successful candidate would be comfortable with court appearances and hearings, such as contract and grant review, subpoenas, Care Court hearings, Potentially Dangerous Dog Hearings, Involuntary Medication Hearings, Civil Service Commission hearings, etc. Ideally, the candidate would have prior experience as a County Counsel attorney, or experience in criminal or family law, supporting Behavioral Health and Wellness, Public Guardian, or Child Welfare, or have previously been a public defender, and have an interest in Civil Litigation. Distinguishing Characteristics Assignments are based upon the professional competency and experience of the incumbent and upon the needs of the County. The positions in this class are distinct by separate pay levels based upon the incumbent's professional experience. The promotion of an incumbent to a higher position within this class is based upon the incumbent's successful performance of progressively responsible job assignments and upon the experience requirements for each successive level. Knowledge of: The canons of professional ethics of the California State Bar; the principles and application of civil law; of trial procedures and rules of evidence; of legal research methods; of principles and precedents and their application. Ability to: Present statements of facts, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; effectively analyze and appraise legal problems; apply legal principles and precedent to particular sets of facts; establish and maintain effective working relationships. Education and Experience Specialized experience requirements dependent upon the needs of the Office of the County Counsel will be set forth specifically at the time of recruitment. A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Deputy County Counsel I: No experience required. Deputy County Counsel II: Either A: One year of experience as an attorney in the practice of law for a public agency or two years in the practice of general civil law; OR B: One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel I with San Luis Obispo County. Deputy County Counsel III: Either A: Two years of experience as an attorney in the practice of law for a public agency or three years in the practice of general civil law; OR B: One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel II with San Luis Obispo County. Deputy County Counsel IV: Either A: Three years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of law for a public agency or four years in the practice of general civil law; OR B: One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with San Luis Obispo County. Licenses and Certificates Active membership in the California State Bar. Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver's license will be required at the time of appointment. Other Specifications This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Personnel Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. to learn more about the County of San Luis Obispo's County Counsel Department. An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at #J-18808-Ljbffr County of San Luis Obispo