Deputy County Counsel I-V - At-Will

The County Counsel’s Office serves as the civil attorneys for Tulare County government, the Tulare County Association of Governments, the Tulare Local Agency Formation Commission, and the Workforce Investment Board. The Legal Office includes 25 Attorneys, plus a complement of paralegals and support staff. The office is in the City of Visalia at the County Civic Center. A position with the County Counsel’s office provides a unique opportunity to study and practice a wide range of law in service to an established and stable client.

The County provides a benefit package including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave benefits, 1937 Act Retirement plan, career incentive pay, life insurance, and reimbursement for California Bar Dues. Applicants may be granted advanced step appointments based upon experience.

Work Schedule: Hybrid work schedule of two days per week available after six months of employment.

ANNUAL SALARY RANGES:

I: $85,385 - $104,062, II: $97,146 - $118,395, III: $113,876 - $138,785, IV: $129,312 - $157,596, V: $139,875 - $170,471

These classifications are eligible for a 4% cost of living increase effective June 28,2026.

First review of applications: June 18, 2026

When applying please attach a cover letter and resume to your application.

To review all information concerning Compensation & Benefits, Cost of Living, Educational Opportunities, and general information about living and working in Tulare County please click here.

While the successful candidate may be able to work with or on any of the four legal teams at County Counsel, the current vacancy will serve on either the Protective Services or the Litigation Teams.

Protective Services: The successful candidate will be engaged in legal matters in the areas of juvenile dependency, conservatorships, CARE Court and commitments for developmentally disabled persons. Position includes providing advice to clients; representing clients in court, at administrative hearings and on appeal and writs of habeas corpus matters under the Lanterman-Petris Short Act.

Litigation: The successful candidate will be appearing in court and before administrative bodies; handling all aspects of state and federal litigation (including responsibility for motion practice, discovery, trial, and appeals in both a primary and secondary role), research and analyze existing laws and regulations, court decisions, and pending litigation to draft opinions and provide written and oral advice to clients, appear for and advise County personnel in administrative hearing matters advise clients and appear in response to subpoenas and writ proceedings. Experience in a County Counsel’s Office, a City Attorney’s Office, or a private law firm working in civil litigation is required for this position.

Active membership in the State Bar of California is required. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license is required. Newly hired Attorneys will serve At-Will and hold noncompetitive status. The Attorney class is flexibly staffed to allow for promotional opportunities as professional experience is gained and demonstrated.

ATTORNEY I: No experience required.

For a full list of duties please click here.

ATTORNEY II: One to two years of full-time experience in the practice of civil law, preferably with one year of public civil law experience or one year of full-time experience with a public civil law agency.

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ATTORNEY III: Three years of full-time experience in the practice of public civil law; or two years of full-time experience with a public civil law agency.

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ATTORNEY IV: Four years of full-time experience with a public civil law agency; or five years of full-time experience in the practice of public civil law. Lead experience required.

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ATTORNEY V: Five years of full-time experience with a public civil law agency; or six years of full-time experience in the practice of public civil law. Lead experience required.

For a full list of duties please click here.

Conditions of Employment:

College Cost Reduction Access Act: This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER