Deputy County Counsel II

• Provides legal counsel and representation to the County, its boards, commissions and department heads and joint powers, authorities and commissions independent of the County and special districts.
• Attends board and commission meetings in capacity of legal advisor.
• Researches and prepares written and verbal legal opinions for clients upon request.
• Directs support staff regarding preparation of contracts, ordinances and resolutions, legal opinions and litigation.
• Assists in the negotiation and drafting of contracts; advises client with respect to legal ramifications of contracting.
• Conducts legal research by interpreting and applying state, federal and local laws and regulations, relevant case law and other legal sources.
• Directs complex and controversial cases; provides technical expertise and work direction to other attorneys as assigned.
• Reviews legal actions filed against County Counsel clients to determine appropriate response and responds as appropriate.
• Represents clients in state and federal court and before administrative tribunals.
• Represents clients in appellate matters before the state and federal courts.
• Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Conducts client workshops with respect to legal topics.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Principles and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Budgetary principles and practices.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to write reports, briefs, contracts, opinions and/or other documents.
• Ability to analyze situations effectively, interpret and apply laws and regulations and recommend effective courses of action.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to lift and carry books, files and other materials weighing up to 25 lbs.

Important Application Information: 

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process:  All complete applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted by the final filing date will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process. Based on the number of qualified candidates, a Qualifications Appraisal may be administered. 

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known.  You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request. 

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer