Deputy County Counsel Jobs
Deputy County Counsel jobs are open across county government and public sector agencies, at every level from entry-level staff attorney to senior and supervising counsel, with specializations in civil litigation, land use, and employment law. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The County of San Diego's Office of County Counsel has an immediate opening for PRINCIPAL DEPUTY COUNTY COUNSEL - CONSUMER FARINESS AND PUBLIC PROTECTION in a rewarding and productive position performing legal work for local government.
The County Counsel’s Office generally supports remote teleworking and a teleworking schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work may be available in this position.
The Office of County Counsel is a full-service law office, tasked with handling the County's civil law needs, including proactive participation in all phases of government decision making and a very active and successful trial litigation program. The Principal Deputy County Counsel will independently handle cases and assignments that have an elevated level of difficulty and complexity, and handling matters that have significant impact upon the County and its officers, boards and districts.
This position will be with the Consumer Fairness and Public Protection team and the attorney in this position will:
- Assist with the development and oversight of a consumer complaint intake and review process capable of identifying patterns of systemic harm, triaging matters for investigation or referral, and informing enforcement priorities and an outward, community-facing consumer complaint database.
- Provide guidance and advice to Deputy County Counsel and Senior Deputy County Counsel attorneys in matters of law and trial strategies, ordinance and policy drafting and interpretation, legal research, preparation of legal briefs and opinions, and recommendations, and trial and appellate practices.
- Act as a legal advisor for County departments, boards and commissions, or special districts as assigned by County Counsel.
- Perform legal research on all aspects of local government law.
- Prepare and rendering verbal or written opinions concerning department powers, functions, jurisdiction, authority, procedures, and matters of civil law.
- Assist in conducting caseload or assignment analysis; studies work patterns and section or team efficiency; assisting in developing and implementing procedures to improve efficiency.
- May guide, be a project lead over, and/or mentor less experienced attorneys and staff.
- May be required to perform the functions of the lower-level class in this series.
Please read the Principal Deputy County Counsel job description for additional information.
The ideal candidate has experience in subject matter experience in consumer protection law, legal research and litigation related to consumer protection, advising and drafting policy, and providing recommendations. The ideal candidate will also have some expertise in working with intake and case management software and helping build out, organize, and oversee the creation of a consumer complaint database.
Hiring Timeline and Date:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job offers and background process begins shortly after interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications:
Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California, AND,
1. Two (2) years of experience as a Senior Deputy County Counsel Attorney in the County of San Diego, or at an equivalent level with another California county or city, handling above average difficult and complex cases or assignments; OR,
2. Five (5) years of professional post-bar civil legal experience as an attorney, which must have included handling civil law matters and/or cases in a public or private sector law office.
Note: Experience with a public entity representing public boards and commissions, preparing and trying public entity lawsuits, and drafting ordinances, policies, and public contracts is highly desirable.
To be considered for this position, please provide your CA Bar number or attach a copy of your California Bar Card to your application.
Notes:
1) Please attach a copy of your resume to your application.
2) Please attach a concise substantive legal writing sample to your application.
Also Required:
Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.
Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a background investigation.
Blind Applicant Screening:
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the application.
Condition of Employment:
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation:
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental application questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan:
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.
Disaster Service Worker:
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Job Summary
The County of San Diego's Office of County Counsel has an immediate opening for PRINCIPAL DEPUTY COUNTY COUNSEL - CONSUMER FARINESS AND PUBLIC PROTECTION in a rewarding and productive position performing legal work for local government.
The County Counsel’s Office generally supports remote teleworking and a teleworking schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work may be available in this position.
The Office of County Counsel is a full-service law office, tasked with handling the County's civil law needs, including proactive participation in all phases of government decision making and a very active and successful trial litigation program. The Principal Deputy County Counsel will independently handle cases and assignments that have an elevated level of difficulty and complexity, and handling matters that have significant impact upon the County and its officers, boards and districts.
This position will be with the Consumer Fairness and Public Protection team and the attorney in this position will:
- Assist with the development and oversight of a consumer complaint intake and review process capable of identifying patterns of systemic harm, triaging matters for investigation or referral, and informing enforcement priorities and an outward, community-facing consumer complaint database.
- Provide guidance and advice to Deputy County Counsel and Senior Deputy County Counsel attorneys in matters of law and trial strategies, ordinance and policy drafting and interpretation, legal research, preparation of legal briefs and opinions, and recommendations, and trial and appellate practices.
- Act as a legal advisor for County departments, boards and commissions, or special districts as assigned by County Counsel.
- Perform legal research on all aspects of local government law.
- Prepare and rendering verbal or written opinions concerning department powers, functions, jurisdiction, authority, procedures, and matters of civil law.
- Assist in conducting caseload or assignment analysis; studies work patterns and section or team efficiency; assisting in developing and implementing procedures to improve efficiency.
- May guide, be a project lead over, and/or mentor less experienced attorneys and staff.
- May be required to perform the functions of the lower-level class in this series.
Please read the Principal Deputy County Counsel job description for additional information.
The ideal candidate has experience in subject matter experience in consumer protection law, legal research and litigation related to consumer protection, advising and drafting policy, and providing recommendations. The ideal candidate will also have some expertise in working with intake and case management software and helping build out, organize, and oversee the creation of a consumer complaint database.
Hiring Timeline and Date:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job offers and background process begins shortly after interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications:
Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California, AND,
1. Two (2) years of experience as a Senior Deputy County Counsel Attorney in the County of San Diego, or at an equivalent level with another California county or city, handling above average difficult and complex cases or assignments; OR,
2. Five (5) years of professional post-bar civil legal experience as an attorney, which must have included handling civil law matters and/or cases in a public or private sector law office.
Note: Experience with a public entity representing public boards and commissions, preparing and trying public entity lawsuits, and drafting ordinances, policies, and public contracts is highly desirable.
To be considered for this position, please provide your CA Bar number or attach a copy of your California Bar Card to your application.
Notes:
1) Please attach a copy of your resume to your application.
2) Please attach a concise substantive legal writing sample to your application.
Also Required:
Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.
Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a background investigation.
Blind Applicant Screening:
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the application.
Condition of Employment:
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation:
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental application questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan:
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.
Disaster Service Worker:
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Deputy County Counsel Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Deputy County Counsel JobsDeputy County Counsel Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in deputy county counsel jobs.
- Active membership in good standing with the state bar where the county is located
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Experience representing government agencies in civil litigation or administrative proceedings
- Knowledge of California Government Code or applicable state public agency statutes
- Ability to draft legal opinions, resolutions, and contracts for public agency clients
- Experience with land use, employment law, or public finance matters preferred
Tips for Your Deputy County Counsel Job Search
Tailor your resume to public law
County hiring panels look for specific government practice experience, not just litigation volume. Highlight work in civil liability defense, public agency representation, or regulatory compliance, and name the government entities you've represented, not just the matter type.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists deputy county counsel openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Get your bar standing documented early
County HR offices verify active bar membership before they extend interviews. Pull your certificate of good standing before you apply so you're not scrambling when the HR screener asks for it within 48 hours of submission.
Target postings by practice area code
Many county job portals categorize deputy counsel openings by division, such as child support, real property, or risk management. Search by division code alongside the job title to surface roles that match your specialty, not just any open attorney position.
Prepare a government writing sample
County hiring panels expect a writing sample from a government context, ideally a brief or opinion letter addressed to a public agency client. A purely private-sector sample works, but you'll need to explain the context in your cover letter and connect it to public law practice.
Follow up after the oral board
County hiring moves through civil service steps, so a thank-you email after an oral board interview isn't standard protocol the way it is in private practice. Ask the panel coordinator directly whether candidate communication is permitted, then follow whatever channel they specify.
Deputy County Counsel Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a deputy county counsel?
You need a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active bar membership in the state where the county operates. Most counties require at least one to three years of civil litigation or public agency experience. Applying directly through a county's civil service portal is the standard path, and some counties require a written examination or oral board in addition to a standard interview.
Can you get hired as a deputy county counsel with little experience?
Some counties offer entry-level deputy counsel positions designed for attorneys within their first few years of practice, particularly in high-volume divisions like child support enforcement or public guardian matters. Clerking for a government agency, completing a public interest fellowship, or doing a clinical placement with a public law office can substitute for private practice experience when your application targets those entry-level openings specifically.
What does the deputy county counsel interview process look like?
Most counties run a structured civil service process that includes an application screening, a written or multiple-choice examination for some jurisdictions, and an oral board interview scored by a panel of senior attorneys or HR staff. Finalists are ranked on an eligibility list before the hiring department makes an offer. The full process from application close to offer can take several months depending on the county's civil service rules.
Where can I find and apply to deputy county counsel jobs?
You can find and apply to deputy county counsel jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from counties across the United States. Find roles that match your practice area and experience level, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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