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Lane County, Oregon, is seeking an experienced legal professional to serve as its next County Counsel. This position serves at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners and plays a critical role in representing the County in litigation and overseeing all legal matters. It provides an outstanding opportunity to serve as the County's chief legal officer and collaborate to address complex legal challenges while working closely with elected and appointed officials.
The County Counsel provides public policy and legal advice to the Board of Commissioners and elected and appointed officials and successfully collaborates to provide effective, efficient, and innovative services to the community. This position also serves as a key member of the executive management team, contributing to the overall organizational goals and objectives and ensuring accountability and efficiency of County operations. The County Counsel embraces the opportunity to participate in strategic planning and enjoys engaging in countywide initiatives. They collaborate with colleagues and peers and demonstrate leadership, management, and innovation in delivering legal services to County departments.
The County Counsel manages the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). They develop and administer the budgets and direct and manage department personnel, including outside Counsel, as needed. This position establishes annual work plans that prioritize the office's expertise and workload and routinely coordinates services with other departments and government agencies.
This position is responsible for County litigation, including, but not limited to state and federal cases, labor relations cases, litigation involving land use, tax court, bankruptcy court, and other administrative proceedings, as well as challenges to Lane County's ordinances and regulations. The County Counsel prepares and reviews ordinances, orders, resolutions, and policy statements memorializing the administrative, quasi-judicial, and legislative decisions of the Board. They also draft, negotiate, and review contracts and agreements. Above all, the County Counsel provides sound, well-researched, and timely legal advice when participating in management groups and discussions with the Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, elected officials, and department directors.
Priorities
- Develop an understanding of the County organization and its strategic priorities. Become intimately familiar with the mission, vision, values, and core behaviors that drive the organization in order to provide sound legal advice through the three strategic lenses of Stewardship of Resources, Equity, and Collective Impact.
- Quickly come up to speed with the current work of the Office of Legal Counsel. Actively discuss cases, develop strategies as needed, provide mentorship, and successfully partner with the staff to provide realistic and effective legal advice on ongoing initiatives.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with the Board of Commissioners, colleagues, direct reports, and peers across the organization. Through inclusive, ethical, and transparent behavior, collaborate to understand operational issues, identify and assess potential legal implications, and proactively provide guidance and advice in support of a one county philosophy.
- Support the ongoing efforts to fully adopt and expand the capabilities of the new case management and public records management system.
- Continue to support the County’s engagement and investment in equity. Implement the Office of Legal Counsel’s new Equity Framework and ensure key benchmarks, core values, and commitments align with the County’s broader equity plans.
The Successful Candidate
The County Counsel is a strategic systems thinker who naturally sees the big picture and long-term vision for Lane County. They bring an experienced voice and perspective to the Office of Legal Counsel and leverage their knowledge to anticipate issues and proactively identify risk in order to develop strategies for legally sound positions. With unquestioned integrity and sound ethics, the County Counsel is considered a collaborative leader dedicated to public service and works in the best interest of the County at all times.
The County Counsel is apolitical yet politically astute. They have a strong history of developing effective relationships with elected officials and work to provide expert legal advice and interpretation that ultimately advances the County’s priorities. The County Counsel is known as an innovator with an ability to present multiple potential scenarios to address any given need. The successful candidate navigates complex and controversial issues with ease, is direct and candid in their interactions with County officials, and is strong enough to stand up to pressure and provide unpopular advice when needed.
With a county-first mentality, the County Counsel embraces collaboration and effortlessly partners with County leadership to identify unbiased solutions to County initiatives. The successful candidate creatively solves problems and provides legal advice and guidance that aligns with Lane County’s vision. The County Counsel actively demonstrates the County’s core behaviors of Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions and aligns with the values of Integrity, Excellence, and Equity and Respect. They are an effective communicator who balances directness with diplomacy and who values diverse perspectives and varying political ideologies.
With substantial municipal law experience, the County Counsel excels in analysis, policy development, and creative thinking to address novel cases and complex legal challenges. Direct knowledge and experience with litigation are beneficial. They ensure that all legal documents and opinions are well researched, pros and cons are outlined, and options and cautions are presented to the Board, elected official, or department director prior to decision-making. The County Counsel values and appreciates all levels of government and works to build relationships with the state, neighboring jurisdictions, and the cities that make up Lane County.
The County Counsel is approachable and actively nurtures an open and welcoming environment. They possess high-level skills in human relations, organizational behavior, and supportive management practices. Considered a proactive leader, the successful candidate regularly solicits input and enjoys brainstorming with staff. They are known for building trust and empowering employees, leveraging the staff’s knowledge and expertise to seek efficient, creative, and practical solutions while producing high-quality work.
Qualifications
At least seven years of progressively responsible legal experience, including a background in municipal law, is required, as is direct leadership experience managing attorneys and paraprofessional legal personnel. Prior experience working with an elected body is essential. A background in litigation is highly desired, with specific knowledge of land use, public safety, health and human services, municipal finance, and elections ideal.
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon and be a member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or licensed in a state with the ability to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar based on Comity. The ability and willingness to apply for admittance to practice before all Oregon Courts and the U.S. District Courts for the State of Oregon is essential. Possession of a valid Oregon driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire is necessary. The successful candidate must maintain an acceptable driving record throughout their employment.
Inside the Organization
Lane County operates under the leadership of a five-member Board of Commissioners, each elected from a specific district to serve four-year terms. The Sheriff, Tax Assessor, and District Attorney are also elected by the voters. The County Administrator is appointed by the Board and leads the overall management of the County. Lane County provides a wide range of services through the following departments: Assessment and Taxation, Community Justice and Rehabilitation Services, County Administration, County Counsel, Data and Analytics, District Attorney’s Office, Emergency Management, Health and Human Services, Human Resources, Public Works, Sheriff’s Office, and Technology Services. With its diverse geography, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains, the County prioritizes sustainability and community well-being in its operations with ongoing efforts to enhance community resilience and improve the quality of life for its residents.
With a FY 24-25 all funds budget of $1.12B and a general fund of $188M, the County has four Board-approved priority areas that guide their work:
- Safe, Healthy County
- Vibrant Communities
- Robust Infrastructure
- Our People & Partnerships
The 2022-2024 Strategic Plan lays out the desired impact on and value-add to the entire community – residents, businesses, employees, and other stakeholders. The County uses each priority area to inform decisions as they responsibly manage limited resources to deliver vital services with passion, innovation, and integrity. To meet these challenges, they know that the basis of their efforts lies in leveraging their people and partnerships to achieve their strategic priorities. The County also recognizes that the quality and commitment of their staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which all can live, work, and play.
Inside the Department
The Lane County Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) serves as the primary legal advisor and representative for Lane County in nearly all matters, supporting the Board of County Commissioners, elected officials, departments, and employees. The OLC manages legal claims against the County, handling most cases in-house and utilizing outside counsel only for specialized, conflict, or high-demand cases.
The OLC provides legal representation in a wide range of civil actions, including tort claims, labor negotiations, elections law, complex litigation, administrative actions, public governance, and land use issues. It also offers daily legal guidance on County ordinances, Board Orders, Lane Code amendments, contracts, and leases, ensuring compliance with state law. The OLC processes public records requests, except those handled by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and provides training to County staff to reduce legal risks.
Within the OLC is the Risk Management program, which oversees general liability claims, Workers’ Compensation, insurance, property damage recovery, and works to resolve liabilities and protect the County’s financial interests.
With a FY 24-25 budget of $2.97M, the OLC team includes 14 full-time employees and is led by the County Counsel. Additional staff include a Senior Assistant County Counsel, six Assistant County Counsels, an Administrative Support Supervisor, and two Paralegals. The Risk Management team includes a Risk Manager, Workers’ Compensation Analyst, and Risk Support Specialist. The OLC also employs law clerks and temporary staff offering support as needed.
The Lane County Community
Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Lane County offers a dynamic mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit. Home to 12 incorporated cities and over 382,000 residents, Lane County reflects a diverse population with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The bustling Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area provides a thriving urban center for residents and visitors alike, and small towns and rural communities across the County offer home-town charm and amenities away from the city lights.
Outdoor enthusiasts thrive here, with an abundance of parks, trails, and natural landscapes to explore. Whether hiking in the Cascade Mountains, biking along scenic byways, or enjoying a day on one of the many lakes, rivers, or beaches, the County's recreational offerings are endless. Lane County also has a proud history, with roots in Oregon’s pioneer days and many historical landmarks and museums that tell the story of its past.
Economically, Lane County boasts a diverse range of industries, with key sectors including education, health care, manufacturing, and technology. The County's economy is bolstered by the presence of global companies and a robust local business scene. It’s also home to a thriving agricultural industry known for its wineries, organic farms, and sustainability initiatives. Culturally rich, Lane County is a hub for the arts. Residents enjoy a vibrant local arts scene, including museums, galleries, theaters, and live music venues. The County hosts several annual festivals celebrating everything from local cuisine to music, film, and visual arts.
Lane County is known for its excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods. The University of Oregon, located in Eugene, contributes to a thriving academic and intellectual atmosphere, while the County’s school districts are recognized for their commitment to quality education and student achievement. In addition to the University of Oregon, Lane County is also home to several outstanding higher learning institutions, including Lane Community College, Bushnell University, and New Hope Christian College. Neighborhoods across the County range from quiet suburban areas to more rural, nature-focused communities, offering something for everyone.
Lane County consistently ranks high in livability and is recognized for its quality of life, outdoor opportunities, and welcoming communities. It’s a place where residents take pride in their surroundings and support a vibrant, active lifestyle.
Quick Facts
- Population: 382,353
- Median Household Income: $64,069
- Median Home Value: $433,700
- Median Age: 40.7
All demographic information was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range for the County Counsel position is $188,156 to $238,368 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Lane County values employees and shows it with extraordinary benefits. County employees chose public service for more than a paycheck, and these outstanding benefits are designed to encourage employee wellness throughout their career. Learn more about the extraordinary benefits employees and their families enjoy here. Relocation assistance is provided. For the County Counsel position, a car allowance is also provided.
How to Apply
Lane County recognizes that a greater understanding and acceptance of cultural perspectives can only improve its services to the community and enrich the quality of its workforce. The County is committed to reflecting the diversity of its community. Individuals from diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to consider career opportunities with the County.
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning November 18, 2024.
Questions
For more information or questions regarding Lane County and the County Counsel position, please contact Heather Gantz at hgantz@raftelis.com or 503-860-1111.
Download the Recruitment Brochure
Salary- $188,156 - $238,368
