Chief Deputy County Counsel

Chief Deputy County Counsel – County of San Diego

Anticipated Hiring Range: $250,000 to $260,000 Annually

The County of San Diego is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated, and team-oriented leader to fill an immediate opening for a Chief Deputy County Counsel. This is an outstanding and exciting career opportunity in a dynamic environment for a highly motivated individual with significant litigation experience. Under direction of the County Counsel and Assistant County Counsel, this management position will oversee a team of attorneys, paralegals, and investigators litigating complex and high exposure cases.

Responsibilities

• Support the County Counsel in managing complex, high-visibility matters.
• Lead, mentor, and oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering high-quality legal representation on complex cases.
• Provide guidance on legal strategy, workload management, performance expectations, and professional development.
• Proactively assess potential legal exposures across the organization by reviewing policies, practices, and emerging issues and develop strategic recommendations to mitigate risks and strengthen organizational compliance.
• Collaborate on budget development, expenditure monitoring, and resource planning to optimize the delivery of legal services.
• Evaluate organizational processes and legal workflows to uncover challenges or inefficiencies. Recommend practical, legally sound solutions to improve operations and support strategic goals.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of evolving laws, regulations, and case precedents. Provide updates and guidance to leadership to ensure County practices remain compliant and forward-looking.
• Periodically update County leadership on litigation developments and strategy.

Qualifications

• At least ten years experience practicing law.
• At least three years experience in a supervisory position at a public law office or a private law firm representing public entity clients is highly desirable.
• Experience litigating and evaluating complex tort cases and identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks.
• Experience preparing reports and presentations for elected officials and executive-level managers of a local government or large organization.
• Proven track record of building and establishing a successful and cohesive team.
• Exhibits the highest ethical standards, has great enthusiasm for the law and enjoys training and mentoring others.

Minimum Qualifications

Active membership and in good standing with the State Bar of California AND (5) five years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the classification which must include two (2) years of management or supervision.