Deputy County Counsel I/II/III/Senior

Deputy County Counsel I/II/III/Senior

Salary

$96,564.00 - $185,700.00 Annually

Location

Redding, 96007, 96073, 96003, 96002, 96001, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

397-399,853_CC_12112025

Department

County Counsels Office

Opening Date

12/11/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY

COUNTY COUNSEL'S OFFICE

SEE "SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS" SECTION REGARDING

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP IN THE CA STATE BAR

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED WEEKLY UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED

FINAL FILING DATE: CONTINUOUS

SALARY INFORMATION

Sign on Bonus: $30,000

Deputy County Counsel I: $8,047-$10,271 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY / $46.43-$59.26 APPROXIMATE HOURLY

Deputy County Counsel II: $9,091-$11,603 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY / $52.45-$66.94 APPROXIMATE HOURLY

Deputy County Counsel III: $10,627-$13,564 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY/ $61.31-$78.25 APPROXIMATE HOURLY

Senior Deputy County Counsel: $12,125-$15,475 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY/ $69.95-$89.28 APPROXIMATE HOURLY

Employee Benefits

• Holidays: 12 days per year and an additional floating holiday
• Vacation: 10 days/year first 3 years; 15 days/year 4-9 years; 17 days/year 10-15 years; 20 days/year 16 years and thereafter.
• Administrative Leave: 80 hours per calendar year.
• Longevity: 3% increase after 10 years of continuous service with Shasta County. 5% stipend after 20 years of service.
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year with a generous pro rata payoff at termination after at least 5 years
• Retirement: CalPERS, coordinated with Social Security.
• Insurance: Medical and dental plans, with the County paying for most of the employee and a portion of the dependent cost; a vision plan, a fully paid life insurance policy and long-term disability plan.
• Other:
• Deferred Compensation plan, IRC Section 125 plan
• California State Bar Association dues are paid in full by the County.
• A generous MCLE allowance and attendance at County Counsel Association conferences is provided at County expense.

This position is in the Unrepresented Management bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements

• This is a continuous recruitment that is open until the needs of the County are met.
• This is a continuous recruitment which means applicants are only able to apply once every six months to this specific recruitment.
• Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

Shasta County offers all of the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The County Counsel provides most of the civil legal services required by the County. The County Counsel represents the County and its officers and employees in civil actions. The office drafts or reviews for legal sufficiency all proposed legislation, contracts, leases, deeds, ordinances, and resolutions. Statutory interpretation and the issuance of legal opinions in response to requests from County officials comprise another major area of responsibility. The County Counsel also identifies and explains legal trends to assist in program planning.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Deputy County Counsel I: Under close supervision, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsels office; and to do related work as required.

Deputy County Counsel II/III: Under supervision, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsels office; and to do related work as required.

Senior Deputy County Counsel: Under minimum direction, to provide a variety of professional legal services to the County through the County Counsels Office; and to do related work as required.

Deputy County Counsel Senior:

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Deputy County Counsel I: This is the entry level in this series for the professionally qualified person with little if any pertinent experience. As incumbents become familiar with County operations, policies, and procedures, they are expected to handle varied and responsible legal work with a greater degree of independence and increased delegation of responsibilities; a Deputy County Counsel I may expect to qualify for the next higher class of Deputy County Counsel II.

Deputy County Counsel II: At this level, professionally qualified persons normally have gained experience in the practice of law. Incumbents are expected to perform responsible legal work in civil matters and to complete regular assignments with limited supervision or assistance.

Deputy County Counsel III: At this level, professionally qualified and experienced persons perform specialized legal work for the County in civil matters, in a relatively independent manner. This class differs from that of Deputy County Counsel II in that the civil matters handled generally are more varied, complex and sensitive.

Senior Deputy County Counsel: This is a senior journey level position. At this level, professionally qualified and experienced persons perform specialized legal work for the County in civil matters, in a highly independent manner. This class differs from that of Deputy County Counsel III in that the civil matters handled generally are more varied, complex, and sensitive. In addition, this level recognizes long-term experience with an understanding of County legal problems and challenges; it is only available to attorneys who have been employed as a counsel for a California county or city for five years or have equivalent experience in civil and/or other governmental practice.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidates will have at least two years of experience in providing legal representation and counsel to a California county or city (preferably as a deputy county counsel or deputy city attorney). The particular areas of law within the County Counsel's Office to which a successful candidate might be assigned will depend on the individual's experience, interests, and the needs of the office. The ideal candidate will have a strong public service orientation. They will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to identify problems, research and develop solutions, and facilitate agreements between conflicting parties. While the ideal candidate will have experience as described above, the office will consider any applicant with substantial civil experience, preferably in representing a California county or city.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Deputy County Counsel I:

Confers with and advises officers and employees of County departments and representatives of dependent special districts on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, functions and obligations; drafts or approves as to legal sufficiency ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents and instruments; prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings and similar legal proceedings; makes court appearances; makes tentative decisions concerning advisability to prosecute, compromise, or dismiss civil litigation and discusses these decisions with superiors; performs legal research; and prepares correspondence and reports

Deputy County Counsel II:

Confers with and advises officers and employees of County departments and representatives of dependent special districts on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, functions and obligations; attends meetings of boards or commissions as requested to give legal counsel and advice; drafts or approves as to legal sufficiency ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents and instruments; prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings and similar legal proceedings; appears on behalf of clients in administrative and special proceedings; makes tentative decisions concerning advisability to prosecute, compromise, or dismiss civil litigation and discusses these matters with superiors; performs legal research and issues opinions on civil legal matters; and prepares correspondence and reports.

Deputy County Counsel III:

Confers with and advises officers and employees of County departments and special districts on complex legal matters affecting their powers, duties and functions; attends meetings of boards and commissions as requested to give legal counsel and advice; drafts ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents and drafts or approves as to legal sufficiency various contracts, leases, conveyances and other agreements to be entered into by the County; represents the County, County agencies and County employees in actions brought by or against them, including preparation and trial of cases before courts and administrative agencies; participates in the settlement of claims for or against the County; provides legal counsel on matters of prosecution, compromise or dismissal of civil litigation; performs legal research and issues opinions on civil legal matters; and prepares correspondence and reports.

Senior Deputy County Counsel:

Confers with and advises officers and employees of County departments and special districts on complex legal matters affecting their powers, duties and functions; attends meetings of boards and commissions as requested to give legal counsel and advice; drafts ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents and drafts or approves as to legal sufficiency various contracts, leases, conveyances and other agreements to be entered into by the County; represents the County, County agencies and County employees in actions brought by or against them, including preparation and trial of cases before courts and administrative agencies; participates in the settlement of claims for or against the County; provides legal counsel on matters of prosecution, compromise or dismissal of civil litigation; performs legal research and issues opinions on civil legal matters; and prepares correspondence and reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Deputy County Counsel I:

Knowledge of: Legal principles and practices with special emphasis on the rules of evidence, and sections of the Civil and Government Codes directly pertinent to county government; and legal research methods.

Ability to: Perform legal research using traditional and computer-assisted resources; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems; present laws, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; and deal effectively and tactfully with those contacted in the course of work.

Deputy County Counsel II:

Knowledge of: Legal principles and practices with special emphasis on the rules of evidence, administrative law and procedures, and sections of the Civil and Government Codes directly pertinent to county government; trial procedures; and legal research methods.

Ability to: Perform legal research using traditional and computer-assisted resources; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems; present laws, facts and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; and deal effectively and tactfully with those contacted in the course of work.

Deputy County Counsel III/Senior Deputy County Counsel

Knowledge of: Legal principles and practices, with special emphasis on the rules of evidence, Government Code and Civil Code provisions applicable to the functions of County government, and civil, constitutional, and administrative law and procedures; pre-trial and trial procedures; and legal research methods.

Ability to: Perform legal research using traditional and computer-assisted resources; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems; present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and concisely in written and oral form; effectively represent County employees, departments and special districts in legal proceedings and administrative hearings; and deal effectively and tactfully with those contacted in the course of the work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Deputy County Counsel II:

EITHER

Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law, including at least one (1) year representing public entities;

OR

One (1) year of experience as a Deputy County Counsel I with Shasta County.

Deputy County Counsel III:

EITHER

Three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney including at least two (2) years representing public entities;

OR

One (1) year of experience as a Deputy County Counsel II with Shasta County.

Senior Deputy County Counsel:

EITHER

Have been employed as a counsel for a California county or city for five (5) years.

OR

Have equivalent experience in civil and/or other governmental practice.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Active membership in the State Bar of California.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

• Describe any experience you have as a practicing attorney in which you acted as a legal advisor to or before governmental agencies. If none, please type 'N/A.'
• Approximately what percentage of your practice has been devoted to the representation of a county, city, or other governmental agency? If none, please type 'N/A.'
• Describe any experience, training, or education (in addition to basic law school classes) in general public agency law. In connection with training and education, please give specific dates, institutions, and a detailed description of your participation. If none, please type 'N/A.'
• Describe any aspects of your background or experience that you feel demonstrate a substantial interest in or motivation toward public service. Which special attributes, skills or characteristics would you bring to the role of Deputy or Senior Deputy County Counsel?
• Please provide your California Bar Number. If none, please type 'N/A.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
• Some positions may require a valid California drivers license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
• As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
• Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
• Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit DOJ Right to Work Poster. If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flier.
• In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
• Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.50 of their to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at Shasta County Employee Benefitsfor additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until position is filled. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, "Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter," or "See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter" the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will not be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515

NOTE: Various bargaining units may have benefits that alter from this general summary. This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to labor agreements (MOUs) for specific benefit information.

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Holidays:

• 12 paid holidays (96 hours) per year.
• 1 Floating holiday annually.

Vacation:

• 10 working days a year during the first three years of service.
• 15 working days a year - 4 through 9 years of service.
• 17 working days a year - 10 through 15 years of service.
• 20 working days a year - 16 or more years of service.

Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after three months of employment. For purposes of vacation accrual, a working day is no more than 8 hours.

Sick Leave:

• 96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
• Employees terminating in good standing after completion of 5 years of continuous service will receive a pro-rata payoff of accumulated sick leave.
• Unused sick leave may be converted to PERS service credit upon retirement.

Note - sick leave may be used immediately as accrued. Accrued paid leave benefits are used in conjunction with FMLA/CFRA as appropriate.

• Vacation and Sick Leave accruals are based on regularly scheduled working hours. Additional time will not be accrued on hours worked over 80 hours within a one pay period.

Bereavement:

• 24 hours for each non-concurrent death in the immediate family.

Administrative Leave:

• Each full-time unit employee shall be entitled to eighty (80) hours of administrative leave per calendar year.
• Newly eligible employees will receive a portion of the time, in advance, on a prorated basis consistent with their dates of appointment or designation.

Employees may elect to receive a payment for Administrative or Vacation hours (in lieu of use) for up to one hundred and twenty hours - in five whole hour increments - of unused Administrative Leave, Vacation Leave, or a combination of the leaves. *Subject to criteria as outlined in Section 15.8 of the Personnel Rules.

Health Plan:

Shasta County contracts with PERS for medical insurance.

Depending on the plan selected, the County pays most of the employee premium, and contributes a portion of the dependent premium.

Contributions are made for a portion of a retirees insurance premium.

Dental Plan:

The County pays a portion of the employees and dependents premium for dental insurance. The employee pays the full premium during the first six months of coverage.

Vision Plan:

The County pays the employee premium and employees may enroll dependents at their own expense.

Life Insurance:

The County pays the premium for life insurance for most employees. The amount of coverage varies by bargaining unit. For Unrepresented Management employees the current coverage amount is reflective of 1 year of salary at their current wage, however it will not be less than $50,000, or more than$80,000..

Additional Life insurance is available to purchase through Aflac and The Standard.

Long-Term Disability Program:

The County provides a long-term disability program for management employees, which will include a 120 day elimination period, a 66.67% of earnings benefit, and a monthly maximum of $2,500.00.

Retirement:

The County is in the Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

• Members hired prior to May 8, 2011 are covered under the retirement formula of 2% @ 55 benefit.
• Members hired after May 8, 2011 but before January 1, 2013 are covered under the retirement formula of 2% @ 60 benefit.
• Members hired after January 1, 2013 are covered under the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) with a benefit formula of 2% @ 62.

Please review the Personnel Rules (Management Benefits) for stipulated retirement formulas.

Employees pay 9.5% of his or her salary, on a pre-tax basis for a period of time as specified in his or her labor contract, or Personnel Rules as appropriate. Members hired prior to 2013 may have a different contribution percentage.

Miscellaneous:

• Deferred Compensation plans available through specified companies with employer match up to 3%
• IRC Section 125 plan available for pre-tax payroll deductions for contributions towards un-reimbursed medical expenses and dependent care.
• Optional additional insurance products are available through Aflac.
• Longevity Pay eligibility review with at least ten years of continuous service with Shasta County. Payment of total dues for the California Bar Association if bar membership is a requirement of the position.
• Employee Assistance Program through ACI Specialty Benefits.
• Golden State Finance Authority - Down payment Assistance
• ScholarShare 529 - College Savings Plan

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Room 348

Redding, CA 96001-1676

(530) 225-5515

Comments, please email: schr@shastacounty.gov

01

Describe any experience you have as a practicing attorney in which you acted as a legal advisor to or before governmental agencies. If none, please type 'N/A.'

02

Approximately what percentage of your practice has been devoted to the representation of a county, city, or other governmental agency? If none, please type 'N/A.'

03

Describe any experience, training, or education (in addition to basic law school classes) in general public agency law. In connection with training and education, please give specific dates, institutions, and a detailed description of your participation. If none, please type 'N/A.'

04

Describe any aspects of your background or experience that you feel demonstrate a substantial interest in or motivation toward public service. Which special attributes, skills or characteristics would you bring to the role of Deputy or Senior Deputy County Counsel?

05

Please provide your California Bar Number. If none, please type 'N/A.

Required Question

Employer County of Shasta

Address 1450 Court Street, Suite 348

Redding, California, 96001

Phone (530) 225-5515

Website https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel