Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct, and supervise a group of attorneys in a functional unit or division, such as Land Development, Litigation, General Government or Health & Human Services, within the Office of the County Counsel, and to perform a variety of supervisory and technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates and are responsible for a program area within a work unit or division.

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

Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for attorneys; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in researching and/or litigating cases and hearings in all courts and administrative bodies within the County.
• Evaluate assigned operations and activities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Assist legal staff in evaluating the various stages of litigation including preparation of complaints or petitions and answers, review and examine documentary and testimonial evidence, examination of witnesses, presentation of oral argument.
• Assist staff in evaluating legislative measures, contracts leases, conveyances, and other legal documents.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for expenditure needs of assigned unit; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• On an occasional basis, try cases in the courts or before administrative bodies, prepare trial briefs; research questions of law; draft jury instructions; present opening statements; examine and cross-examine witnesses as needed; argue points of law, make final arguments and summations.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Attend meetings of Boards or Commissions.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• California civil and administrative law and procedures; rules of evidence and practice including California Evidence Code and California Rules of Court.
• Public sector law, California and federal statutory and constitutional law, civil and appellate procedures and County ordinances and regulations.
• Responsibilities, powers and statutory limitations of County government and the County Counsel’s Office.
• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and advocacy.
• Principles and practices of case development and management.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Principles of budget monitoring.
• Principles and practices of workplace safety.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances, and rules.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct the operations and activities of attorneys, and other subordinate staff. 
• On a continuous basis, analyze a case and determine the law's application; identify and interpret the applicable law or statute; know all case precedents; observe juries and witnesses; problem solve situations that arise in cases; remember and understand case law and statutes; explain case status to the tribunal or public as required, 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. 
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and Office policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Implement a participatory management program and motivate staff.
• Work under time constraints and exacting professional and legal standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.