Job Description

I. Job Purpose:

The Assistant County Counsel II, under the limited supervision of the County Counsel, provides legal advice and representation to the legal entity of “Crook County,” including advice to its elected officials and employees in their County-employment capacity. This includes drafting documents of legal significance (contracts, deeds, memoranda, orders, resolutions, and ordinances); conducting research into legal requirements and analyzing risks; advising the County as to best practices and courses of action; and appearing before courts and tribunals to represent the County and advocate for its positions. This involves providing information to decision-makers, who will decide what course to pursue, and then effectuating those decisions.

Additionally, the Assistant County Counsel II oversees the day to day assignments of the Assistant County Counsel I providing direction, feedback and guidance. 

II. Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Meet with County stakeholders (elected officials, department heads, etc.) and/or County Counsel regarding new projects or the status of existing projects, and to advise them of legal options.
• Read and review existing files within the Legal Department.
• Read and review documents sent to the County and determine what response to recommend.
• Assist in the supervision of any Assistant County Counsel I and external positions.
• Draft documents of legal significance (pleadings, ordinances, orders, contracts, letters, memoranda, etc.)
• Negotiate revisions to documents with other parties.
• Review of public records requests received by the County and either respond directly or advise County departments on how to respond.
• Prepare for and attend meetings of the Crook County board of commissioners and other County bodies.
• Communicate and coordinate with various local government agencies.
• Compile and review documents for discovery requests.
• Conduct legal research.
• Attend continuing legal education classes.
• Compile ordinances of the County and see that they are codified and published.
• Conduct periodic trainings of County staff members on legal issues.
• Prepare for and appear in judicial and administrative proceedings on behalf of Crook County.

III. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• While there are no courses which are necessarily essential to have completed, the following are courses which would be helpful for any applicant to this position:

Contracts Torts Construction law Employment law Legal research and writing Negotiation Civil procedure

• Knowledge of professional responsibility and ethics.
• Knowledge of legal research procedures and methods.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and procedures.
• Ability to research, analyze and prepare legal documents.
• Ability to provide accurate and practical legal advice.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county staff as well as the general public.
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work quickly and accurately.
• Must be able to work effectively with others when they are angry, hostile or upset.

IV. Qualifications: 

• Membership in the Oregon State Bar required.

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, required.
• Prior to or on date of hire:

• Experience-Minimum three years of increasingly responsible legal experience.
• Prefer experience with local government

• Able to complete a thorough employment and/or criminal history check.
• Able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test (not required for all positions).
• Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts (not required for all positions). 

V. Position Details:

• The duties outlined in this job description are not all inclusive and additional duties and tasks will be assigned as required.
• Work location is generally 203 NE Court Street in Prineville, OR.
• Fair Labor Standards Classification: Exempt
• Crook County is an equal opportunity employer.

• This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause.

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