Assistant General Counsel

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice, counsel, and representation to the Association, including legal advocacy through CSAC’s Litigation Coordination Program, and its affiliate organizations, notably the County Counsels’ Association of California. This may include preparing and reviewing contracts and similar documents; providing legal advice and opinions on a variety of complex issues; formulating recommendations and strategies on legal matters; coordinating legal advocacy activities; developing materials to aid County Counsels in their legal practice; facilitating County Counsel responses on emerging legal issues; developing attorney training on ongoing topics of interest; and coordinating CCAC communications.

This position is also actively involved with CSAC’s Litigation Coordination Program sponsored by CSAC and administered by the CCAC. This program benefits counties in two principal ways: 1) achieves cost savings by avoiding duplication of effort; and 2) strengthens the response of each county to litigation that affects its interests. For more information about this vital program, click here.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Serve as in-house legal counsel; analyze complex legal issues; advise the organizations;
• Provide legal representation, guidance, and advice to the organizations and affiliated entities on assigned management, personnel, and organizational issues;
• z Advise legislative staff on legislative and regulatory proposals, language, statutes, and case law interaction and interpretation, and otherwise support legislative and regulatory advocacy activities;
• Consult and collaborate with County Counsels throughout the state;
• Make public presentations and Minimum Continuing Legal Education (“MCLE”) presentations to CSAC governing bodies and County Counsels; and
• Appear in state and federal courts on behalf of CSAC and affiliated entities, including preparing amicus briefs and letters in matters of statewide significance to counties

The ideal candidate for Assistant General Counsel will be an experienced attorney with a background working for or with public entities. This top professional will have an engaging and approachable personal style, the ability to creatively and collaboratively solve problems, and be an effective and trusted advisor on matters of high importance. This position requires exceptional organizational skills combined with the ability to effectively move matters to resolution quickly. Also, having specific experience working with legislative advocacy groups or having monitored and implemented legislative issues and mandates specific to local government will be an added plus for the Assistant General Counsel.

The Assistant General Counsel will also possess exceptional communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely in both oral and written form. Top contenders will also be skillful at analyzing and preparing a wide variety of complex legal documents, including appellate briefs, statutory language, contracts, and legal memoranda. Additionally, top candidates will be hands-on and add value by being an active and valued contributor. Critically important is the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with a range of county members as well as CSAC staff.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-performance organization. The Assistant General Counsel will have a business-like approach that fosters transparency and innovation, with a commitment to technological enhancements that support improved efficiencies, workflow, and best practices.

Personal traits and characteristics desired include:

• Being a confident and engaging professional with a passion for public service and a strong work ethic.
• Embracing the core values of integrity, honesty, and the ability to lead by example.
• Being a strategic and forward-thinking legal advisor who can operate at a high level to provide advice and counsel on a wide range of issues.
• Possessing the ability to guide the legal affairs of the General Counsel’s Office successfully and efficiently in direct support of the General Counsel. Importantly, the Assistant General Counsel should also:
• Have the interest and ability to scale up and operate at a high level in direct support of the General Counsel.
• The Assistant General Counsel will have an approachable and engaging style that supports transparency, innovation, and timely response.
• In support of the General Counsel, this top legal professional will become known as a thoughtful legal advisor who listens first, seeks input, and then consistently delivers legal options for consideration, allowing for a thorough analysis of all aspects of an issue.
• With broad legal experience, the ideal candidate will also be able to evaluate controversial situations and present options clearly and concisely.
• Another personal attribute tied to success in this position is having a positive and proactive attitude.

Qualifications

Education – Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law, or an equivalent legal education that is recognized by the State Bar of California.

Experience – Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience; five (5) years of relevant experience is preferred.

License – Active membership in the State Bar of California