The Position

• Can work in a fast paced, and high-profile environment
• Has the ability to think strategically and creatively
• Will be articulate and energetic
• Possesses exceptional analytical skills and judgement
• Can relate well to colleagues, clients, and the courts
• Has the ability to assume responsibility and build client relationships
• Has excellent writing skills

• Participating in hearings and meetings
• Presenting cases persuasively in both court and administrative proceedings
• Offering and negotiating solutions consistent with applicable laws and policy direction
• Drafting a variety of legal documents
• Using good judgment in setting priorities and allocating time
• Maintaining effective working relationships with staff and clients
• Keeping supervisor informed of significant cases and assignments

• We adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality, and we value diversity
• You will have an opportunity to serve the public as you advise a wide variety of clients
• The work is intellectually challenging and fast-paced
• You will work in a team environment with supportive colleagues
• You will enjoy a work-life balance, with the opportunity to accrue up to three weeks of vacation leave and other leave benefits

• Adjusting to County government functions and interplay of the departments
• Becoming familiar with local Superior Court rules and procedures, and administrative agencies
• Competing litigation, advisory, and transactional deadlines

• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Political & Organizational Savvy: Working skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objectives
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Innovation: Imagining and devising new and better ways of doing things
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

Minimum Qualifications

Registration: Active member of the State Bar of California
Experience:
Standard Level: Four (4) years of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience as a practicing attorney.
Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with solid waste and/or hazardous waste laws is highly desirable
• Experience advising and representing public agencies
• Experience with civil litigation and administrative hearings
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a Contra Costa County application and supplemental questionnaire at the time of application (please limit each response to no more than 300 words). Both submissions will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Along with your application, please provide the following:
  • Resume
    • Your resume should include:
      • State Bar of California membership number and admission date
      • Undergraduate college/university and graduation date
      • Law school and graduation date
  • TWO writing samples only
    • Preferably a substantive pleading and an advisory letter or memorandum, of no more than fifteen (15) pages and five (5) pages in length, respectively.
  • List of professional references
    • Please indicate whether we may contact your current employer.
  • A cover letter
• This is an exempt recruitment, which means candidates are not guaranteed an interview. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to a hiring interview. Candidates invited to the interview may be asked questions in areas such as training and experience relevant to the position, and the knowledge of and ability to apply legal principles. References will be required.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.