County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This classification is designed to permit the hiring of entry level attorneys who are recent law school graduates and who desire to practice governmental law that will afford them an early opportunity to be exposed to and gain training and experience in the multitude of practice areas and disciplines of the Office of the County Counsel. Under the direction of an Assistant County Counsel or Chief Assistant County Counsel, and under the supervision of a Senior Deputy County Counsel, attorneys in this classification will be trained and mentored to provide and will provide legal representation to clients of the Office of the County Counsel; perform research and provide advice in matters of civil law; and perform related work as required. Associate County Counsels are mentored, trained, and supervised on a project by project basis by Senior Deputy County Counsels in the Office of the County Counsel.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Associate County Counsels will be required to successfully test and be selected from an eligible list. They shall serve a probationary period of three years, during which they will gain training and experience in more than one area of work performed by the Office of the County Counsel as well as training and mentoring in the day-to-day practice of civil governmental law.

Associate County Counsels may be assigned to perform all phases and types of legal work involved in representing clients of the Office of the County Counsel that are appropriate for entry level positions with no prior experience in the practice of law. Attorneys assigned to this classification will be exposed to and are expected to work toward developing a knowledge of principles and skills associated with all aspects of governmental civil law practice. Attorneys in this classification report to and are supervised on a project basis by a Senior Deputy County Counsel who in turn works within a division supervised by an Assistant County Counsel or Chief Assistant County Counsel. Associate County Counsels do not have any supervisory or administrative responsibilities. They are expected to work closely with a Senior Deputy County Counsel who will be responsible for their training and mentoring. Attorneys in this classification will perform progressively more complex types of legal work, and may occasionally report directly to an Assistant County Counsel, the Chief Assistant County Counsel or the County Counsel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties that may be performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Perform legal research on a wide variety of legal problems; interprets, and applies federal and State laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in preparing memoranda, notes, briefs, pleadings, and opinions in relation to State and federal law.
2. Represent, confer with and advise clients of the Office of the County Counsel with respect to all aspects of civil law, including litigation in the area of probate, police powers, zoning, planning, social services, health care, child welfare, disciplinary appeals and grievances, real and personal property, assessment and taxation, and other civil areas of public law.
3. Represent, confer with and advise officers and employees of clients of the Office of the County Counsel on legal questions pertaining to their respective duties, powers, functions, and obligations.
4. Attend meetings of boards and commissions to render legal advice.
5. Assist other attorneys in providing legal research and case preparation.
6. Draft and review resolutions, ordinances and proposed State legislation.
7. At all times comply with the Code of Professional Responsibilities, the County Administrative Code and the County Charter.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

No prior experience practicing law is required for this position. It is intended that this position will be filled primarily by attorneys who are recent graduates from law school.

AND
Licenses:

Current active membership in the California State Bar.
Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.


Knowledge of: (Based upon the successful study of law and less than three years experience in
practicing law.)

• Methods of legal research involving issues arising from California and federal statutory and constitutional law.
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles and practice of constitutional, civil and administrative law and procedure, California civil and appellate procedures.
• California statutory and constitutional law.
• Law in relation to authority, responsibilities and obligations of public officials, administrative boards and agencies.

Ability to:

• Perform legal research.
• Analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Present oral and written statements of fact, law and argument in a clear and logical manner.
• Prepare correspondence and reports.
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions on legal casework and in dealing with people.
• Listen for the sensitive and political issues/considerations underlying requests for legal assistance from clients.
• Respond to various interpersonal reactions of clients, judges and attorneys in a sensitive and tactful manner.
• Frame oral and written comments or argument appropriately within a sensitive and political environment.
• Effectively and positively take direction, mentoring and training from more experienced counsel.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MH:po 8/17/06-6/27/07
Newspec: 3220.doc
CSC Date: 7/18/2007

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.