Litigation Deputy County Counsel

Closing Date: 6th August, 2026

Description:

Description:
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

Examples of Duties:

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

Employment Standards:
Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND

• 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,
• One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• 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.

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