Assistant County Counsel

Definition and Class Characteristics

COUNTYWIDE PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

OPEN TO CURRENT, REGULAR COUNTY OF NEVADA EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED TWELVE MONTHS OF SATISFACTORY, PROBATIONARY SERVICE

Interviews for selected candidates will be held on January 23, 2026

Under general direction, assists in planning, organizing, directing and supervising the activities of the County Counsel's Office; provides expert professional legal advice and assistance to the Board of Supervisors and County management staff; represents the County in, and supervises litigation matters; and performs related work as required.

This single position classification is responsible for assisting the County Counsel with administering the ongoing activities of the County Counsel's Office. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority and assists in accomplishing departmental goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. The incumbent also provides professional legal services and advice to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, special districts and commissions on civil and administrative legal matters.

Essential:

• Assists in planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the activities of the County Counsel's Office
• Assists in developing, directing and implementing the goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the County Counsel's Office
• Assists in preparing, administering, and advocating for the office budget
• Assists in selecting staff and providing for their training and professional development; interprets policy and procedures to staff
• Confers with and advises the boards, commissions, special districts and County departments on legal issues
• Drafts and reviews a variety of legal documents, ordinances, resolutions and reports
• Represents County in civil litigation in federal and state courts, administrative hearings, and arbitrations
• Advises staff on case management strategy and techniques, questions of evidence, law, procedure, and court presentation
• Prepares condemnation and land acquisition proceedings
• Researches and writes legal opinions; prepares a variety of correspondence and reports
• Attends board, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences
• Acts on behalf of the County Counsel as required

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and methods, including goal setting, program and budget development and implementation, contract management, personnel management and supervision
• Principles and practices of civil, constitutional and administrative law
• Legal research methods, practices and materials
• Rules of the courts, policies, procedures, and precedent decisions
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence
• Federal, State and local laws and regulations affecting the activities of the County Counsel's Office
• Contemporary trends and practices of County Counsel Office operations
• Principles and practices of drafting, negotiation and implementation of contracts

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the activities of the County Counsel's Office
• Selecting, training, motivating and evaluating staff
• Developing, implementing, and interpreting goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards
• Analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations related to the County County's Office
• Preparing and administering a departmental budget
• Analyzing and preparing a variety of legal documents and instruments, including contracts, resolutions, ordinances and legal pleadings
• Preparing and presenting clear and logical oral and written statements of fact, law and argument
• Functioning as an effective legal advisor and trial advocate
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Effectively obtaining and evaluating information through interviewing or interrogation
• Using computer technology and applications in the performance of daily activities
• Adapting to changing priorities and requirements in a fast paced legal environment
• Performing essential services with minimal supervision.