Job Details

Deputy County Counsel II - Litigation

County of Sonoma

Join our team of attorneys and staff committed to improving our communities and the quality of life in Sonoma County.

Advance your legal career in public service as a Deputy County Counsel II - Litigation.

Position Information

Starting salary up to $85.87/hourly ($179,220 annually) and a competitive total compensation package.

The County Counsel department is currently recruiting to fill a Deputy County Counsel - Litigation position at either the II or III level. If you are interested in being considered at the III level, you must apply separately through the concurrent recruitment at that level.

About

Sonoma County Counsel, Robert Pittman, and his dedicated team work collaboratively with one another, both in the office and remotely, to provide the highest quality legal counsel and guidance to the County's various departments and agencies. County Counsel's highly motivated, collegial team of attorneys and staff are committed to providing excellent public services, improving and enriching the quality of life for all Sonoma County residents.

The Office of County Counsel is currently recruiting for a skilled litigation attorney for its Litigation Practice Group, which handles the majority of the County's litigation work, both defense and affirmative litigation. They primarily advise the following departments:

• Human Resources/Risk
• Sheriff's Office
• Probation
• District Attorney
• Public Defender

This position will be exposed to a variety of County Counsel's practice areas, such as County Operations, Resources, and Environment (CORE), and Health and Human Services. Our team members are innovative problem-solvers that work effectively together and independently, to prepare and present civil cases before various administrative bodies as well as state and federal courts.

Experience with or having a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas is highly beneficial: civil litigation generally from pre‑trial through appeals, employment and labor law, writs, probate law, land use law (including code enforcement), environmental law, administrative law, legislative drafting, contracts, housing law, real property law, Brown Act, federal Indian law, FOIA/PRA, water law, cannabis/agricultural/timber regulation, taxes and fees, and/or constitutional law.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
• Highly effective research, writing, and oral communication skills
• Initiative, high standards, and drive to set and achieve goals
• A proven interest in continuous learning and professional growth
• Values that promote and support advancing the same motivations and qualities in others
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and identifying and eliminating bias

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits, including:

• Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full‑time); eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement – With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Deputy County Counsel III ($90.62 – $110.16/hour)
• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness – Annual benefit allowances up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee‑only and employee + family health plan options
• Post‑Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post‑retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation – 3%/1.9% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), plus matching up to 1% of base salary
• Paid Parental Leave – Up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits – Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Hybrid Telework – A schedule that meets staff, department operations, and community needs may be available depending on the assignment
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
• Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, one year of legal experience practicing civil or governmental law as a licensed attorney.

Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.

Driver's License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements, as may be required by the State of California.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition; the principles and application of civil and administrative law; legal research methods; the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the County Counsel; the organization, power, and limitations of local governmental functions; trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence; the statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems; prepare, present, and conduct cases of law in court; present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; develop and maintain effective relationships with other staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, members of advisory and policy‑making bodies, the courts and the public; analyze and draft ordinances and other regulations.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-###-####), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Legal
• Government Administration

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