Deputy County Counsel I/II/III or Assistant County Counsel

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the County Counsel, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsel's Office; to assume responsibility for the department in the absence of the County Counsel; and to do other related work as required. This position serves at the will and pleasure of the County Counsel.

REPORTS TO

County Counsel

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

All Four Classes:

Research and write legal opinions for the Board of Supervisors and County departments; confer with, represent, and advise County officials, boards, commissions, departments, and special districts on legal matters; prepare drafts of contracts, notices, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents; prosecute and defends litigation and other proceedings by and against the County and certain public officials and agencies; prepare and conduct proceedings for the acquisition of lands by condemnation or purchase for local governmental agencies; and assist in preparing the departmental budget.  

Assistant County Counsel:
Act as County Counsel in County Counsel's absence (in addition to duties listed above).

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, and copiers.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in office and courtroom environments; frequent contact with staff and the public.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Deputy County Counsel I:

• General knowledge of the principles of civil, constitutional, and administrative law, and specific laws governing and affecting County operations.
• General knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• General knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and writing.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Ability to analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Ability to draft legal documents such as ordinances, resolutions and contracts.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, in written and oral form.
• Ability to effectively represent the interests of the County in court and before administrative hearing bodies and tribunals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and governmental officials and the general public.

Deputy County Counsel II:  All of the above, plus:

• Increasing knowledge of the principles of civil, constitutional, and administrative law, and specific laws governing and affecting County operations.
• Increasing knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Increasing knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and writing.

Deputy County Counsel III:  All of the above, plus:

• Increasing knowledge of the principles of civil, constitutional, and administrative law, and specific laws governing and affecting County operations.
• Increasing knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Increasing knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and writing.
• General knowledge of the principles and supervision and management.
• Ability to work independently with lessening supervision.

Assistant County Counsel: All of the above, plus:

• Broader knowledge and mastery of laws governing and affecting County operations.
• Broader knowledge of principles of supervision and management.
• Together with County Counsel, ability to effectively mentor and assist county counsel staff and aid in office management

and

Ability to:

All Three Levels:

• Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Draft legal documents such as ordinances, resolutions, statutes and contracts.
• Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, in written and oral form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and governmental officials and the general public.

and

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities might be:

All Three Classes:

Graduation from an accredited school of law.

Deputy County Counsel I:

Up to two (2) years experience in the practice of law (preferably public law).

Deputy County Counsel II:

Two (2) years of experience in the practice of public law comparable to that of a Deputy

County Counsel I with Mono County.

Assistant County Counsel:

Two (2) years of experience in the practice of public law comparable to that of a

Deputy County Counsel III with Mono County.

THE EXAM PROCESS

PHASE 1: The exam process includes an application, resume, and two writing samples as part of the application: one sample demonstrating legal advice (such as an opinion or memo) and one sample demonstrating legal advocacy (such as a litigation memorandum of points and authorities). In addition, submit a cover letter answering the question: Why do you want to work for the County Counsel’s office in Mono County?

PHASE 2: The exam process will include not only an interview, but also a review and practical demonstration of the required knowledge and abilities as stated on the application.