Assistant County Counsel II

About the Office of County Counsel
Washington County Counsel's Office represents the County in civil litigation at local, state and federal levels, in administrative and enforcement proceedings, and provides advice and analysis to County departments. We deliver quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and all County departments and employees. We also represent the Washington County Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services.

The Opportunity!
As an Assistant County Counsel II with Washington County Counsel's Office, you will provide a full range of legal services to assigned departments representing the County in all aspects of civil litigation, from initial investigations through post-judgment appeals. As a member of the County's litigation team, you may represent any of the County's departments in proceedings before courts, boards, arbitrators, and other administrative agencies, as well as provide sound legal and risk management advice across a spectrum of general legal issues related to public agency litigation.

This position requires representation of the County in many complex legal areas with minimal direction and supervision, the ability to problem solve and utilize innovative legal skills, and work with clients to provide creative solutions to support or further their goals. The position requires you to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. If you have a passion for public service and desire an opportunity to help your community grow and excel with your legal expertise and knowledge, we encourage you to apply.

Our Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate has experience in all aspects of Oregon and Federal civil litigation, with an additional interest or focus in employment litigation. This candidate can spot legal issues, manage discovery, conduct and defend depositions, trials, arbitrations, mediations, and negotiate settlements. This candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and support staff. Stellar legal work, a strong work ethic, and team-oriented approach, as well as intellectual curiosity is desired. The ideal candidate has high standards of professional competence and integrity and is experienced in Oregon Circuit Court, Oregon Court of Appeals, United States District Court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The candidate has experience interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for government agencies, large corporations or other government-adjacent organizations. In addition, this candidate will work well both in a team environment and independently.

A resume and a two-page (single spaced) writing sample from a brief or legal memoare required for this position; applications without the supplemental information will not be considered. **

Essential Job Duties:

• Pursues and defends legal actions in state and federal courts, as well as Oregon Court of Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Researches and analyzes legal and factual information. Prepares, drafts, and/or revises legal pleadings, motions, appeals. Prepares and presents cases at pretrial hearings, trials, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Researches, studies, and interprets the application of laws, court decisions and other legal authorities and precedents for the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs.
• Attends meetings of County departments to give legal advice and counsel.
• Represents County in state and federal administrative bodies.

This position is classified as Assistant County Counsel II. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review the full information of this classification, please use the following link here.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA).
• And
• Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university.
• And
• Five (5) years of experience in all aspects of Oregon state or federal civil litigation. Trial, arbitration, and mediation experience.

Additional Qualifications for Litigation positions:

• Experience in Oregon Court of Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Admission to the Oregon State Bar.
• Ability to spot legal issues; manage discovery; conduct and defend depositions
• Experience in settlement negotiations.
• Interpret and apply laws in the preparation and drafting of legal documents and legal opinions.