Placer County

Assistant County Counsel (#19810)

$88.01-$109.91 Hourly / $15,255.07-$19,051.07 Monthly / $183,060.80-$228,612.80 Yearly

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DEFINITION

(Unclassified)

To assist the County Counsel and Chief Assistant County Counsel in managing and directing the Office of County Counsel; to plan, organize and direct the activities of the office; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the County Counsel and Chief Assistant County Counsel.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant County Counsel serves as a full line and functional manager with responsibility for activities of a major division providing multiple, varied functions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the County Counsel and general direction from the Chief Assistant County Counsel.

Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Assist the County Counsel and Chief Assistant County Counsel in managing and directing the County Counsel’s Office consisting of legal, fiscal, and support staff; manage and direct the legal representation and advocacy in civil litigation and administrative hearings involving the County, its officers, and employees.
  • In the absence of the County Counsel and Chief Assistant County Counsel, assume responsibility for the County Counsel’s Office.
  • Submit opinions, as directed, to all County or district officers on matters relating to their respective offices.
  • Attend meetings of boards or commissions as requested to provide legal counsel and advice.
  • Conduct and/or direct civil litigation involving State and Federal courts, including, but not limited to, jury or court trials, law and motion, discovery, and appeals.
  • Review and prepare proposed State legislative matters.
  • Oversee and participate in prosecuting all recognizances forfeited in courts of record and all actions for the recovery of debts, fines, penalties and forfeitures accruing to the State in the County or to the County.
  • Assist in developing goals and objectives for the office; assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures.
  • Develop and implement the work plan of the office; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
  • Assist in the preparation of and administration of the office budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as requested; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the office.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Represent the County to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance, as necessary.
  • Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and work odd or unusual hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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 a minimum of two years of practice in civil law performing duties similar to a Senior Deputy County Counsel in Placer County or two years of experience in the management of law office personnel.

Training: A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Required License or Certificate:

  • Admission to practice before California 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, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

  • 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 policy development and implementation.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
  • Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
  • Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Budgeting procedures and techniques.
  • Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
  • Modern office procedures and computer equipment.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical information; research and analyze case law, regulations, policies, and procedures; complete a high volume of tasks at once with unscheduled and frequent changes; recall and utilize a variety of information; make high-impact decisions; work under time pressure; and focus on a single task for long periods of time.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; occasionally walk and stand for long periods of time; intermittently twist, stoop, kneel, squat, and reach to access equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, write, or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with sufficient visual acuity to perform essential job functions and interpret nonverbal behavior; hear to receive complex and detailed information; talk to communicate and present information to court, boards and commissions, and community groups; and lift light weight.
  • Analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material orally or in writing in clear and logical form.
  • Analyze, appraise and/or draft a variety of legal documents and instruments.
  • Plan, direct and control assigned administration and operations of the County Counsel's Office.
  • Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; to communicate through written means.
  • Prepare and administer a budget.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
  • Interpret and explain Department policies and procedures.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation
This classification serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and has no specific term and no right to continuous employment.

Bargaining Unit
Unclassified Management


CLASS: 19810; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 9/14/2021;