Litigation Deputy County Counsel

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Are you an experienced litigator with a commitment to justice and public service? We are currently accepting applications to fill one vacancy for a Litigation Deputy County Counsel for the Office of County Counsel. The job classification for this position is Deputy County Counsel IV.

This position is home-based in Santa Barbara and may be eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule depending on the position requirements and needs of the department. The position requires onsite work that may include travel throughout the County as needed. Note: remote work must be completed within the State of California.

As part of a dynamic team, you will work on complex cases that make a real impact on our community. This position offers flexibility, including remote and hybrid work options. If you're ready to take on challenging legal issues, foster collaboration, and make a difference, we want to hear from you!

THE POSITION: Under general direction, the selected candidate will perform professional legal work, including civil litigation; prepare legal pleadings and give legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, and districts; and do related work as required.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Santa Barbara County's Office of County Counsel offers a great career opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in the public sector. Our work impacts a broad range of significant legal issues in beautiful Santa Barbara County. We support the County's elected and appointed decision-makers, its advisory boards and commissions, and the departments that implement the County's operations and programs.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information click here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Strong legal research and analytical skills
• At least three years of experience handling civil litigation matters
• Ability to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues and arguments clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team
• Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Good professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and anticipating consequences of decisions and recommendations
• Ability to remain calm and act professionally, especially under stressful conditions
• Ability to adapt to change and adjust to fluid work environment
• Positive attitude, impeccable character, and strong commitment to public service

1. Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs;
2. Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, appeals, and judgments;
3. Confers with and advises county, district, and judicial officers, employees, and representatives on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, and obligations;
4. Engages in all aspects of civil discovery, including not limited to propounding and responding to discovery and handling depositions
5. Represents the county in lawsuits by or against the county;
6. Prepares and/or reviews contracts, agreements, leases, and deeds for legality;
7. Conducts administrative hearings before state and county agencies;
8. Engages in legal research;
9. Performs related work such as preparing petitions, legal instruments, reports, and correspondence.

Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND

1. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or six (6) years in the practice of general civil law; OR,
   
2. One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with Santa Barbara County; OR,
   
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required at time of appointment. Incumbents must be willing and able to travel throughout the County and other jurisdictions on a regular basis.

Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of the county, the courts, school and special districts, and other public agencies; civil law codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law; code of Professional Conduct and Rules of Ethics.

Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; engage in legal research; work effectively with others.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

1. Application Ranking: Candidates who meet the employment standards will have their application evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their application that demonstrates the skillset outlined in the ideal candidate section. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Application Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities may be assigned by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 8/6/26, at 4:59 PM PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Questions?
Contact: Raquel Martinez, Talent Acquisition Manager - [email protected] / Natalie Alvarado @[email protected]