Chief Deputy Counsel - Litigation - Promotional

Position Information

The County Counsel Department (CNS) has requested a department promotional certification to fill a Chief Deputy Counsel - Litigation position. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary County Counsel Department employees on the eligible list may be eligible for referral to the department for the advertised position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time or part-time positions as they occur during the active status of the list. The Civil Service title of this position is Chief Deputy County Counsel.

As the Chief Deputy Counsel - Litigation, you will report to the Assistant County Counsel and function as the Litigation Practice Group's Division Chief. The Chief Deputy Counsel – Litigation exercises a high degree of independent judgment and discretion in supervising litigation staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, evaluating performance, providing mentorship and corrective guidance, and making recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, and professional development.

Additionally, the Chief Deputy Counsel – Litigation is responsible for administering and overseeing all litigation involving the County of Sonoma and its affiliated entities, with the exception of land use litigation.

Responsibilities

The Litigation Practice Group advises the following Departments:

• District Attorney
• Human Resources, including Risk Management
• Probation
• Public Defender
• Sheriff's Office

The ideal Chief Deputy Counsel - Litigation candidate should be familiar with all aspects of legal services in connection with trial and appellate litigation in state and federal courts, including coordination with outside counsel, administrative hearings, labor advice, ordinance enactments and policy adoptions, employee discipline, discrimination and disability issues, and general counsel advice.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, five years of responsible legal experience with emphasis on practicing civil law as a licensed attorney, at least two years of which should be at the level of Deputy County Counsel IV. Coursework, training, or supervisory and administrative experience in a public agency law office is highly desirable.

License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California. Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of: the interpretation and application of the law as it relates to a general law county government; legal research methods and judicial procedures; the principles and application of civil law; the statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.

Thorough knowledge of: organization, powers, and limitations of local government functions; trial and hearing procedures, and rules of evidence.

Considerable knowledge of: modern public personnel and finance administration; effective supervisory techniques; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.

Ability to: analyze and present legal considerations related to the policies, programs and operations of the County; further County policies, programs and operations through creative interpretation and application of the law; assist in the management of a government law office, and to administer the office budget; explain complex principles to lay County officers in simple concise written and oral form; research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedence to complex legal problems; orient, train, supervise and evaluate subordinate legal and office support staff; consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form, including the most complex legal matters; effectively communicate an understanding of the legal aspects of affirmative action to lay County officers and employees; establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow staff members, departmental representatives, County officials, members of advisory and policy‑making bodies, legislative representatives, the courts, and the public; understand and accept differences in human behavior and cultural and ethnic backgrounds; analyze and draft ordinances and other regulations.

Selection Procedure & Helpful Tips

• Your application information and responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

The selection procedure will consist of an Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) to evaluate each applicant’s application for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities related to this position.

Additional Information

A background investigation may be required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707‑565‑3770), email, or by 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. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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