New

Senior Assistant County Counsel

Washington County, OR
$13,301.26 - $17,396.13 Monthly
medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, job share, retirement plan
United States, Oregon, Hillsboro
155 North 1st Avenue (Show on map)
May 10, 2025
THE POSITION The Office of County Counsel is seeking to fill two critical roles on the office's Litigation Team. Washington County's Office of County Counsel 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. As a Senior Assistant County Counsel 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 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 while working independently, problem solving, and utilizing innovative legal skills. Strong and effective communication skills and the ability to explain facts, legal issues, and case strategy to department representatives, County leadership, and elected officials are prerequisites of a successful candidate for this role. The position requires the ability to work collaboratively with necessary stakeholders to support or further their goals through resolution of complex litigation, including bench or jury trial and appeal. 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. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience in all aspects of Oregon and Federal civil litigation, with additional experience or expertise in employment litigation and/or public safety litigation. They can independently spot legal issues, manage discovery, conduct and defend depositions, represent the County at trials, arbitrations, and mediations, and negotiate settlements. They will have strong interpersonal skills and will communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clients, colleagues and support staff. The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective legal advocacy through oral and written legal work, a strong work ethic, and team-oriented approach, as well as intellectual curiosity. A successful 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. They have experience interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for government agencies, large corporations or other government-adjacent organizations. In addition, they will work well both in a team environment and independently. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described in the minimum qualifications. * A resume and a two-page (single spaced) writing sample from a brief or legal memo* are required for this position; applications without the supplemental information will not be considered. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Duties may include: Defending or prosecuting legal actions in state and federal courts, as well as Oregon Court of Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Research and analysis of legal and factual information. Drafting, revising, and reviewing legal pleadings, motions, appeals. Preparing for and presenting cases at pretrial hearings, trials, mediations, and arbitrations. Researching, studying, and interpreting the application of laws, court decisions and other legal authorities and precedents for the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs. Attending County department meetings to give legal advice and counsel. Representing the County in front of state and federal administrative forums. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) AND Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university AND Seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in all aspects of Oregon state and federal civil litigation; including experience in trial arbitration and mediation experience. Additional Licenses, Certificates, Physical Abilities, And Specialty Requirements: Experience in Oregon Court of Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Current member of the Oregon State Bar. Must pass a background investigation and professional licensure verification This position is classified as Assistant Senior County Counsel. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review the full information of this classification, please use the following link here SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note:** Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated *separately* from your application. Next Steps Apply today! Complete and submit an online application to include a resume and a two-page (single spaced) writing sample from a brief or legal memo. Your application will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials, including your responses to the supplemental questions, resume, and writing sample. Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates who successfully pass the SME Review as soon as possible. Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment. Post-Offer Check: The successful candidate will undergo a criminal background check and professional licensure verification. Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met. Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill future full-time and part-time vacancies in the same classification, or job family, that may become available within the next six-month period. Our Commitment to You We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Veterans' Preference If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points. Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act - Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation. Status of Your Application You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments. Additional Resources: New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process. For technical support, contact Government Job's Live Application Support at 855-524-5627. Questions (??'s) Regarding This Recruitment: Laura Aranda, Talent Acquisition Business Partner Email: Laura_Aranda@washingtoncountyor.gov