County Counsel

About the Position :

Lane County, Oregon, is seeking an experienced legal professional to serve as its next County Counsel. This position serves at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners and plays a critical role in representing the County in litigation and overseeing all legal matters.

It provides an outstanding opportunity to serve as the County's chief legal officer and collaborate to address complex legal challenges while working closely with elected and appointed officials.

The County Counsel provides public policy and legal advice to the Board of Commissioners and elected and appointed officials and successfully collaborates to provide effective, efficient, and innovative services to the community.

This position also serves as a key member of the executive management team, contributing to the overall organizational goals and objectives and ensuring accountability and efficiency of County operations.

The County Counsel embraces the opportunity to participate in strategic planning and enjoys engaging in countywide initiatives.

They collaborate with colleagues and peers and demonstrate leadership, management, and innovation in delivering legal services to County departments.

The County Counsel manages the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). They develop and administer the budgets and direct and manage department personnel, including outside Counsel, as needed.

This position establishes annual work plans that prioritize the office's expertise and workload and routinely coordinates services with other departments and government agencies.

This position is responsible for County litigation, including, but not limited to state and federal cases, labor relations cases, litigation involving land use, tax court, bankruptcy court, and other administrative proceedings, as well as challenges to Lane County's ordinances and regulations.

The County Counsel prepares and reviews ordinances, orders, resolutions, and policy statements memorializing the administrative, quasi-judicial, and legislative decisions of the Board.

They also draft, negotiate, and review contracts and agreements. Above all, the County Counsel provides sound, well-researched, and timely legal advice when participating in management groups and discussions with the Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, elected officials, and department directors.

Priorities

• Develop an understanding of the County organization and its strategic priorities. Become intimately familiar with the mission, vision, values, and core behaviors that drive the organization in order to provide sound legal advice through the three strategic lenses of Stewardship of Resources, Equity, and Collective Impact.
• Quickly come up to speed with the current work of the Office of Legal Counsel. Actively discuss cases, develop strategies as needed, provide mentorship, and successfully partner with the staff to provide realistic and effective legal advice on ongoing initiatives.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the Board of Commissioners, colleagues, direct reports, and peers across the organization.

Through inclusive, ethical, and transparent behavior, collaborate to understand operational issues, identify and assess potential legal implications, and proactively provide guidance and advice in support of a one county philosophy.

• Support the ongoing efforts to fully adopt and expand the capabilities of the new case management and public records management system.
• Continue to support the County’s engagement and investment in equity. Implement the Office of Legal Counsel’s new Equity Framework and ensure key benchmarks, core values, and commitments align with the County’s broader equity plans.

The Successful Candidate

The County Counsel is a strategic systems thinker who naturally sees the big picture and long-term vision for Lane County.

They bring an experienced voice and perspective to the Office of Legal Counsel and leverage their knowledge to anticipate issues and proactively identify risk in order to develop strategies for legally sound positions.

With unquestioned integrity and sound ethics, the County Counsel is considered a collaborative leader dedicated to public service and works in the best interest of the County at all times.

The County Counsel is apolitical yet politically astute. They have a strong history of developing effective relationships with elected officials and work to provide expert legal advice and interpretation that ultimately advances the County’s priorities.

The County Counsel is known as an innovator with an ability to present multiple potential scenarios to address any given need.

The successful candidate navigates complex and controversial issues with ease, is direct and candid in their interactions with County officials and is strong enough to stand up to pressure and provide unpopular advice when needed.

With a county-first mentality, the County Counsel embraces collaboration and effortlessly partners with County leadership to identify unbiased solutions to County initiatives.

The successful candidate creatively solves problems and provides legal advice and guidance that aligns with Lane County’s vision.

The County Counsel actively demonstrates the County’s core behaviors of Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions and aligns with the values of Integrity, Excellence, and Equity and Respect.

They are an effective communicator who balances directness with diplomacy and who values diverse perspectives and varying political ideologies.

With substantial municipal law experience, the County Counsel excels in analysis, policy development, and creative thinking to address novel cases and complex legal challenges.

Direct knowledge and experience with litigation are beneficial. They ensure that all legal documents and opinions are well researched, pros and cons are outlined, and options and cautions are presented to the Board, elected official, or department director prior to decision-making.

The County Counsel values and appreciates all levels of government and works to build relationships with the state, neighboring jurisdictions, and the cities that make up Lane County.

The County Counsel is approachable and actively nurtures an open and welcoming environment. They possess high-level skills in human relations, organizational behavior, and supportive management practices.

Considered a proactive leader, the successful candidate regularly solicits input and enjoys brainstorming with staff. They are known for building trust and empowering employees, leveraging the staff’s knowledge and expertise to seek efficient, creative, and practical solutions while producing high-quality work.

Schedule : Monday - Friday; 8 : 00am - 5 : 00pm.

This is a non-represented position*

Training and Experience :

At least seven years of progressively responsible legal experience, including a background in municipal law, is required, as is direct leadership experience managing attorneys and paraprofessional legal personnel.

Prior experience working with an elected body is essential. A background in litigation is highly desired, with specific knowledge of land use, public safety, health and human services, municipal finance, and elections ideal.

A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon and be a member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or licensed in a state with the ability to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar based on Comity.

The ability and willingness to apply for admittance to practice before all Oregon Courts and the U.S. District Courts for the State of Oregon is essential.

Possession of a valid Oregon driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire is necessary. The successful candidate must maintain an acceptable driving record throughout their employment.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.

The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.