County Counsel

Class Characteristics

Under policy direction, to plan, organize, direct and manage all civil legal personnel and activities for the County; to provide legal advice and guidance to the Board of County Commissioners, other County elected officials, and departments; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Office of County Counsel provides legal representation and advice to the Board of County Commissioners, County departments, elected officials and other authorities in relation to their official duties.

The County Counsel directs the Office of County Counsel and oversees all legal matters of a civil nature involving the County and any of its special service districts. The incumbent reports to the Board of County Commissioners. Within broad objectives established by the Board of County Commissioners, the incumbent develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and priorities. The roles and responsibilities of the County Counsel are set forth in Chapter 2.12 of the Clackamas County Code.

Typical Tasks

1. Duties may include but are not limited to the following: 
2. Provides legal counsel to the Board of County Commissioners, County officers, County Administrator, department directors, service districts, and various boards and commissions; attends public meetings and work sessions; approves legal form of all official ordinances, orders and actions of the Commissioners; advises on legal rights and responsibilities and other legal issues.
3. Provides or oversees legal representation in all civil matters on behalf of the County and its service districts; prosecutes, defends and appeals legal actions, suits and other proceedings; prepares and presents cases at trials or hearings; evaluates and negotiates out of court settlements; represents the County in state and federal courts and before administrative tribunals.
4. Advises County departments on appropriate action for a variety of legal problems and issues, particularly those involving county-wide policies or politically sensitive issues; interprets Federal, State and local legislation, statutes, rules and regulations; reviews and makes recommendations on proposed policy or procedural changes.
5. Directs the research and preparation of legal opinions, memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds and other legal documents; reviews and analyzes court decisions and pending legislation.
6. Develops and implements new and revised policies and procedures for the Office of County Counsel; establishes goals, standards and objectives; establishes annual work plans; coordinates services with other departments and government agencies.
7. Develops annual and supplemental budgets for the Office of County Counsel; presents budget proposals to the County budget committee and Board of County Commissioners; monitors revenues and expenditures.
8. Hires and directs Office of County Counsel professional and supervisory staff to provide quality service to County staff; prepares performance evaluations; administers progressive discipline; conducts and/or facilitates staff training and development programs; promotes cooperative team efforts among staff and with other County departments.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: Principles and practices of municipal law, litigation and labor relations law; principles and techniques of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution; principles and techniques of legal writing, judicial procedure and rules of evidence; Federal, State and local statutes, regulations, rules and ordinances applicable to County activities and functions, including municipal liability, public meetings, torts, land use, public records and public financing; organization of County government; County ordinances, rules and policies; department policies and procedures; civil trial and appellate procedures in state and federal courts and administrative tribunals; legal terminology; principles of public administration, including budget administration and personnel management; participative management theories.

Skill to: Provide accurate and practical legal advice; interpret and apply complex legal principles; effectively present legal positions to judges, juries, hearings officers and the public; analyze problems and identify alternative solutions; establish findings of fact and decisions in concise written form; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; direct staff in continuous efforts to improve quality, productivity and effectiveness; incorporate team participation in decision making; respond to changes desired by citizens and County staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, government agencies, court system personnel, private and public attorneys, County employees and the public; prepare and administer a budget; supervise professional and paraprofessional legal personnel; draft legal documents and provide legal opinions in response to client requests in a timely manner; determine the county's legal liability when claims are filed; efficiently and effectively resolve the claims through settlement or litigation; assist the county in preventing liability, as well as vigorous defense of claims; continuously upgrade practice skills of staff and meet professional standards for continuing legal education.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Licenses/Certifications:
The following licensure/certifications are required at the time of hire.

• Active member of the Oregon State Bar.
• Admission to practice in the Unites States District Court
• Admission to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Classification No. 089
Established: 12/76
Revised: 1/93, 12/07, 11/23
FLSA: Exempt
EEO: 1