Litigation Deputy County Counsel IV
Apply NowCompany: County of Santa Barbara, CA
Location: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Description:
Salary : $141,537.76 - $199,066.40 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-2218-01 (O/CC)
Department: County Counsel
Opening Date: 03/19/2025
Closing Date: 4/9/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Are you an experienced litigator with a commitment to justice and public service? We are currently accepting applications to fill one vacancy for a Litigation Deputy County Counsel IV in Santa Barbara for the Office of County Counsel. The job classification for this position is Deputy County Counsel IV.
As part of a dynamic team, you will work on complex cases that make a real impact in our community. This position offers flexibility, including remote and hybrid work options. If you're ready to take on challenging legal issues, foster collaboration, and make a difference, we want to hear from you!
THE POSITION: Under general direction, the selected candidate will perform professional legal work, including civil litigation; prepare legal pleadings and give legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, and districts; and do related work as required.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Santa Barbara County's Office of County Counsel offers a great career opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in the public sector. Our work impacts a broad range of significant legal issues in beautiful Santa Barbara County. We support the County's elected and appointed decision-makers, its advisory boards and commissions, and the departments that implement the County's operations and programs.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information click . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
The Ideal Candidate will possess:
Strong legal research and analytical skills At least three years of experience handling civil matters, land use matters, or in an appellate practice Ability to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues and arguments clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences Good professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and anticipating consequences of decisions and recommendations Ability to remain calm and act professionally, especially under stressful conditions Ability to adapt to change and adjust to fluid work environment Positive attitude, impeccable character, and strong commitment to public service
Examples of Duties
Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, appeals, and judgments Represents the county in lawsuits by or against the county Conducts administrative hearings before state and county agencies; engages in legal research Performs related work such as preparing petitions, legal instruments, reports, and correspondence
Employment Standards
Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND
Three years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or six years in the practice of general civil law; or, one year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with Santa Barbara County; or, a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Incumbents must be willing and able to travel throughout the County on a regular basis.
Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of the county, the courts, school and special districts, and other public agencies; civil law codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law; code of Professional Conduct and Rules of Ethics.Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; engage in legal research; work effectively with others.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
Application Ranking: Candidates that meet the employment standards will have their application evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their application that demonstrates the skillset outlined in the ideal candidate section. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of 12 months.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Application & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: April 8, 2025, at 4:59 PM PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Leza Patatanian, Talent Acquisition Analyst - LPatatanian@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
02
As part of the application process, a Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes are accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with ALL APPLICANTS through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
04
The employment standard for this position includes an active membership in the State Bar of California. Please select which one best describes your current status:
05
If you have or previously held an active membership with the California State Bar, please provide the license number, date it was issued and expiration date (if applicable). The hiring department may request a copy for verification. If you do not have a California State Bar membership, type "N/A".
06
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY demonstrate how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the job posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. In addition to an active State Bar of California membership, which Employment Standard did you clearly demonstrate meeting on your application?
07
If you selected, "a combination of training, education, and experience...", please describe in detail how your training education, and experience qualifies you for the position and meets the employment standards listed in the job posting.
08
I understand that the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is an Application Ranking Assessment and the information provided on my application will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job classification. I understand that the Application Ranking criteria will be based on the information provided in employment application. I understand that the raters will not have access to my demographics, resume, cover letters, attachments, or responses to my supplemental questionnaire when evaluating and scoring my application. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
Required Question
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-2218-01 (O/CC)
Department: County Counsel
Opening Date: 03/19/2025
Closing Date: 4/9/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Are you an experienced litigator with a commitment to justice and public service? We are currently accepting applications to fill one vacancy for a Litigation Deputy County Counsel IV in Santa Barbara for the Office of County Counsel. The job classification for this position is Deputy County Counsel IV.
As part of a dynamic team, you will work on complex cases that make a real impact in our community. This position offers flexibility, including remote and hybrid work options. If you're ready to take on challenging legal issues, foster collaboration, and make a difference, we want to hear from you!
THE POSITION: Under general direction, the selected candidate will perform professional legal work, including civil litigation; prepare legal pleadings and give legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, and districts; and do related work as required.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Santa Barbara County's Office of County Counsel offers a great career opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in the public sector. Our work impacts a broad range of significant legal issues in beautiful Santa Barbara County. We support the County's elected and appointed decision-makers, its advisory boards and commissions, and the departments that implement the County's operations and programs.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information click . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
The Ideal Candidate will possess:
Examples of Duties
Employment Standards
Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Incumbents must be willing and able to travel throughout the County on a regular basis.
Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of the county, the courts, school and special districts, and other public agencies; civil law codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law; code of Professional Conduct and Rules of Ethics.Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; engage in legal research; work effectively with others.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of 12 months.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Application & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: April 8, 2025, at 4:59 PM PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Leza Patatanian, Talent Acquisition Analyst - LPatatanian@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans
- Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
- Benefit Allowance paid in cash bi-weekly, which can be used by employees to fund health care costs or used for other purposes. The amount varies by bargaining unit, click the Compensation Summary link below for more information
- Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
- Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
- County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
- To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
- I understand
02
As part of the application process, a Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes are accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
- I understand
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with ALL APPLICANTS through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
- Yes, I understand
04
The employment standard for this position includes an active membership in the State Bar of California. Please select which one best describes your current status:
- I am an active member of the State Bar of California and have listed details on my application as required.
- I am an inactive member of the State Bar of California and have the ability to become an active member by the time of appointment.
- I am not an active member of the State Bar of California and do not have the ability to become an active member by the time of appointment. I understand that I do not qualify for this position.
05
If you have or previously held an active membership with the California State Bar, please provide the license number, date it was issued and expiration date (if applicable). The hiring department may request a copy for verification. If you do not have a California State Bar membership, type "N/A".
06
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY demonstrate how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the job posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. In addition to an active State Bar of California membership, which Employment Standard did you clearly demonstrate meeting on your application?
- Three years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or six years in the practice of general civil law
- One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel III with Santa Barbara County
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equal to the qualifications listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities listed on the job posting.
- None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
07
If you selected, "a combination of training, education, and experience...", please describe in detail how your training education, and experience qualifies you for the position and meets the employment standards listed in the job posting.
08
I understand that the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is an Application Ranking Assessment and the information provided on my application will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job classification. I understand that the Application Ranking criteria will be based on the information provided in employment application. I understand that the raters will not have access to my demographics, resume, cover letters, attachments, or responses to my supplemental questionnaire when evaluating and scoring my application. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
- I understand it is my responsibility to provide complete information on my application, and I agree to the terms of the Application Ranking Assessment.
Required Question