Deputy County Counsel - Exempt

Why join the Contra Costa County Counsel's Office?

The Contra Costa County Counsel’s Office offers an exciting career opportunity for attorneys interested in public service. The office is recruiting for three attorneys to serve as Deputy County Counsels – Exempt: two to serve in the General Law Division, and one to serve in the Juvenile Dependency/Conservatorship Division.

Our office has a collegial working environment and offers opportunities for professional growth. We engage in high‑profile, complex, intellectually challenging, and meaningful legal work while encouraging a work–life balance.

• Are able to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing
• Think strategically and exercise exceptional professional judgment
• Are able to develop positive, long‑term working relationships with clients and colleagues
• Are committed to maintaining a collegial and supportive office culture
• Have a strong commitment to public service
• Maintain high standards of professional ethics and personal integrity

The office is recruiting for two attorney positions in the General Law Division. Attorneys in this division advise boards, commissions, and departments of the County and several outside public agencies. Attorneys in this division are expected to handle all aspects of advising and representing a public agency and its departments, including:

• Providing timely and accurate legal advice
• Preparing ordinances, resolutions, formal legal opinions, and other documents
• Reviewing and drafting contracts, leases, and other legal instruments
• Working with staff on complex transactional matters
• Advising and serving as counsel to boards, commissions, and hearing bodies, including occasional evening meetings
• Handling all aspects of civil litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts
• Participating in mediations, negotiations, and administrative hearings
• Working collaboratively with outside counsel

Applicants for these positions should highlight their training and experience in one or more of the following areas: business transactions, including contract drafting and negotiation; employment and labor law; health law; construction, procurement, and real estate law; land use and environmental law; public finance and taxation; complex administrative law; and general civil litigation, including civil writ matters.

The office is recruiting for one attorney position in the Juvenile Dependency/ Conservatorship Division. Attorneys in this division:

• Advise and represent the Public Guardian’s Office of the Health Services Department in conservatorship proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act and Probate Code
• Advise and represent the Behavioral Health Division of the Health Services Department in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) and Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act proceedings, and other mental health proceedings
• Independently manage a calendar in Probate Court and CARE Court
• Handle court and jury trials in Probate Court, and any resulting appeals
• Advise and represent the Children and Family Services Bureau on juvenile dependency matters brought under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, including handling contested dependency matters in Juvenile Court
• Provide ongoing client training and education.

The office is seeking an attorney in this division to handle primarily conservatorship proceedings and other mental health matters. Applicants for this position should highlight their training and experience in one or more of the following areas: general civil litigation, including civil writ matters; conservatorship actions; CARE Court or other mental health proceedings; and dependency proceedings.

These openings may be filled at any level step on the salary range appropriate to qualifications and experience:

• Advanced Level, Exempt ($17,565.78 - $20,880.19 monthly)
• Standard Level, Deputy ($14,410.05 - $17,129.02 monthly)
• Basic Level, ($11,821.25 - $14,051.76 monthly)

Full‑time…