Assistant County Counsel - Municipal Civil Litigation

WHAT WE OFFER The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package which includes the following:

• Annual Leave - The candidate selected for this position will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288.08 hours after 5 years of service, 296.14 hours after 10 years of service, and 304.20 hours after 15 years of service.
• Annual Leave Redemption - The ability to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year which increases to 200 hours in 2027. 
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Following five (5) years of continuous County service, an additional 2% non-elective contribution will be made to the 401(k) plan. 
• Health Plans – You are afforded a flexible credit allowance of up to $26,626 annually for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans. 
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Employees may also participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase their spending power by reimbursing them with pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Life Insurance – Term life insurance policy in the amount of $50,000 during County employment.
• Pension Plan - Both the County and you contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security.  If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems such as PERS.  
• Holidays - 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits: Professional Memberships, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Wellness Program.

The County Counsel’s Office provides legal advice and representation to County departments, agencies, officials, and employees in all civil law matters. The County Counsel's Office is distinguished from the District Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office, which handle criminal matters.

THE DEPARTMENT
The County Counsel’s Office employs approximately 27 attorneys and 13 support personnel. The working title for line-assigned attorneys is Assistant County Counsel, although the formal Civil Service classifications for the Assistant County Counsel positions are Civil Attorney I/II/III and Senior Civil Attorney. Five attorney positions are assigned to management of the Office, including the County Counsel. The individual assignments of Assistant County Counsels are varied, reflecting the breadth of functions performed by the County, and can include litigation, advisory and transactional duties. 
 
THE POSITION
An Assistant County Counsel position is available in the Civil Attorney II, Civil Attorney III or Senior Civil Attorney classification, depending upon candidate experience. This is a municipal civil litigation position that will represent the County, its departments, agencies, officials, and employees in all aspects of civil litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts and in administrative legal proceedings. Applications are sought from motivated attorneys with relevant experience wishing to join County Counsel’s collaborative team. Litigation matters commonly involve employment law, dangerous condition of public property, constitutional law, civil rights, probate, conservatorship and Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) matters, Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) court matters, writs of mandate, Public Records Act, inverse condemnation, code enforcement, and public works and contracting in both state and federal courts and administrative proceedings.
 
PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE ANNUAL SALARIES:
Civil Attorney II: $124,538.38 - $174,353.73
Civil Attorney III:  $153,234.00 - $214,527.63
Senior Civil Attorney:  $178,096.92 - $249,360.11


NOTE:  If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

Civil attorneys receive management benefits and are exempt from overtime compensation.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
OPENING DATE: April 22, 2026
CLOSING DATE:  Continuous
FIRST REVIEW COMPLETE:  Beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and on a weekly basis thereafter