County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under appointment by and reporting to the Board of Supervisors, performs highly responsible professional and administrative work serving as head of the Office of the County Counsel and as legal counsel to the County of Alameda's Board of Supervisors, agencies, departments, boards and commissions; plans, organizes, directs and monitors the functions and activities of the Office of the County Counsel; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with county and court officials, and the general public; analyzes, appraises, and organizes facts, evidence, and precedents and presents such material, orally and in writing, in clear and logical form; analyzes and appraises a variety of legal documents and instruments; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The County Counsel is the chief administrative officer for the Office of the County Counsel and is responsible for the development of office policies, long-range plans, procedures, budget preparation, and personnel administration. The County Counsel directs the efforts of a staff of attorneys and office personnel and directs the provision of legal advice and representation to the Board of Supervisors, appointive and elective officers, and special districts within the County. Direction may be exercised also through a Chief Assistant County Counsel, Assistant County Counsels and Senior Deputy County Counsels, who have direct supervision for assigned staff. The County Counsel has overall responsibility for the operation of the Office of the County Counsel and the work of staff engaged in providing legal services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties 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. Personally attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and renders to the Board legal advice on a variety of complex matters.

2. Provides general direction and supervision of the preparation of ordinances, contracts, opinions, and other legal documents and of the performance of legal services by subordinate attorneys.

3. Studies, interprets, and applies statutes, ordinances, court decisions, and legal opinions in the preparation of opinions, briefs, and cases; and renders the full range of legal advice on any civil action instituted by or brought against the County.

4. Participates in activities of committees established for the consideration of legislative and administrative matters affecting County government, County personnel, and relationships with other agencies.

5. Manages the development of policies and procedures as well as the budget, and administers programs in accordance with approved allocations.

6. Oversees the selection, supervision, assignment, development and evaluation of subordinate personnel.

7. Oversees the selection and services of outside counsel retained to handle matters on behalf of the County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of five years full-time experience in the class of Deputy County Counsel, or the equivalent of two years full-time experience in the class of Senior Deputy County Counsel or the equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Assistant County Counsel or Chief Assistant County Counsel in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II

The equivalent of six years full- time, increasingly responsible experience as an attorney in the field of civil law.

Or III

Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.

License:

Current membership in the California State Bar.
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:

• California statutory and constitutional law, including the law relating to the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of public officials and administrative boards and agencies.
• Responsibilities, powers, and statutory limitations of the County Counsel's Office.
• Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• California civil and appellate procedure.
• County administrative law and the provisions of law and rules of procedure governing the conduct of meetings of and hearings before public bodies.
• Principles of administration, including budget preparation, personnel and office management.

Ability to:

• Analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material orally or in writing in clear and logical form.
• Analyze, appraise and draft a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with county and court officials.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of professional and clerical subordinates engaged in work of a legal nature.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the County’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Lead in a manner that is visionary, strategic and innovative when working towards change.
• Collaborate with other Agencies and Departments to meet overall county-wide needs while leveraging financial and other resources.
• Use business acumen to build a strong organization which delivers results.
• Provide the highest level of service delivery to customers.
• User interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.
• Promote personal and professional growth for self and others.
• Work effectively as a member and leader of diverse teams.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

PB:nw
11/24/76
JGS:bb
Revised 8/19/93
Old document: 0378h
New document: Jobspecs/3260
ys/4/01
RE Dept. Head Project 3/2012

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.