Deputy County Counsel II

 This recruitment is for Level II. 

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process.  All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question. 

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, direction, and general direction, investigates, prepares, litigates and negotiates civil cases and contracts; represents the County Counsel in the management of legal issues in Butte County; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Deputy County Counsel I and II), direction (Deputy County Counsel III) and general direction (Deputy County Counsel IV) from the County Counsel or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a multi-level professional classification series in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four (4) levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned duties.  Positions in these classes are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level classification.   

Deputy County Counsel I: This is the entry level class in the Deputy County Counsel flexible classification series.  Incumbents with professional-level experience learn and perform the less difficult and less complex legal work, such as County operations, policies and procedures, case research, preparation and contracts.  The work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  Incumbents normally advance to the level of Deputy County Counsel II after gaining experience, achieving proficiency, and demonstrating ability to perform tasks which meet the requirements for Deputy County Counsel II. 

Deputy County Counsel II: This is the second working level class in the Deputy County Counsel series performing professional legal work for a broader range of increasingly complex legal work, such as County operations, policies and procedures, case research, preparation and contracts.  Incumbents regularly work on cases and contracts that are varied, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are aware of the operating procedures and policies of the County.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. 

Deputy County Counsel III: This is the third working, and full journey-level, classification in the Deputy County Counsel series responsible for performing the full range of professional legal work within the County Counsels’ Office. Positions in this classification rely on experience and judgment to ensure the efficient and effective legal work in negotiating and litigating complex cases and contracts.  The work involves problem-solving of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure.  Assignments are given with general guidelines, and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver legal services.  Work may be reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. 

Deputy County Counsel IV: This is the advanced journey level within the Deputy County Counsel series responsible for negotiating and resolving confidential and sensitive cases involving complex legal issues.  It is the fourth working, and highest (non-lead or supervisor) advanced-level, classification in the Deputy County Counsel series and is responsible for performing the most complex and difficult professional legal work within the County Counsel’s Office. Positions in this classification have extensive experience and judgment to ensure the efficient and effective legal work in negotiating and litigating complex cases and contracts.  The work involves problem-solving of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure.  Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver legal services.

Positions in the Deputy County Counsel class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancing from the lower-level classification at the discretion of the Department Head. Progression to each higher classification level is subject to all of the following (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned (ii) management approval for progression to the next higher level in the series; (iii) satisfactory work and office performance at the current classification level; and (iv) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the next classification including any licenses and certifications.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Represents the County on behalf of the County Counsel in researching, preparing, negotiating and litigating complex cases and contracts; manages assigned cases and assures that cases are resolved within office policy guidelines.
• Confers with, and offers advice and counsel to County officials and employees; advises staff and litigants on legal issues, duties, functions and obligations; identifies policy and compliance issues, and proposes solutions.
• Manages assigned cases; advises County departments and agencies; confers with case participants; negotiates agreements with opposing parties and counsel; anticipates problems and pursues solutions; develops case strategy.
• Guides and assists legal staff; provides coaching, counseling and assistance on professional responsibilities, case management and negotiation strategy.
• Researches, negotiates and resolves confidential and sensitive cases involving complex legal issues.
• Reviews documents and motions filed in civil cases, provides assessment and recommendations; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether motions and lawsuits should be filed or defended, based on the facts of law and evidence; conducts conferences with opposing parties and counsel concerning settlement of cases.
• Conducts legal research; gathers and compiles legal instruments and documents; identifies and evaluates witnesses, records and other information required to present the case; prepares legal documents and analyses as required.
• Represents the County on behalf of the County Counsel at hearings and trials; brings cases before Hearing Boards and the Courts; examines witnesses and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law and legal precedent.
• Serves as a liaison between the County Counsel’s office and various organizations and state and federal agencies; serves on committees, task forces and other groups.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• State of California statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable federal rules and regulations.
• Butte County rules, regulations, codes and policies.
• Hearings and trial court processes, protocols and strategies.
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.
• Legal case management procedures and techniques.
• County Counsel’s protocols and strategies of negotiation and litigation.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Development, refinement and presentation of legal strategies.

Ability To:

• Research and identify precedence in case law.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Litigate cases in a legal hearing and courtroom setting.
• Review and assess legal issues and documents.
• Effectively assess, interpret and apply complex civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
• Utilize and evaluate electronic legal research and online systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. 
• Communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. 
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.  

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited school of law; and

Level II: One (1) year of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of civil law in the State of California equivalent to Deputy Counsel I. 

Level III:  Two (2) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of civil law in the State of California, and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex cases equivalent to Deputy Counsel II. 

Level IV:  Three (3) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of civil law in the State of California, and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex cases equivalent to Deputy Counsel III.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must be licensed by the Bar to practice law in the State of California, remain active with all California Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.   

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.