Assistant County Counsel, Senior

Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

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About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning the week of Monday, April 13, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

Washington County Counsel's Office provides advice and analysis to County departments and represents the County in civil litigation at local, state and federal levels, and in administrative and enforcement proceedings. We deliver quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and all County departments and employees. We also represent the Washington County Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services.

As a Senior Assistant County Counsel with Washington County Counsel's Office, you will provide a full range of legal services to assigned departments, including the Department of Housing Services, Housing Authority of Washington County, Office of Community Development and the Office of Emergency Management. The position involves providing general legal advice and assistance to County elected officials and County departments to deliver services to the public including court appearances, administrative proceedings including agencies such as BOLI and HUD, contracting, and related transactional work.

This position requires representation of the County in many complex legal areas with minimal direction and supervision, the ability to problem solve and utilize innovative legal skills, and work with clients to provide creative solutions to support or further their goals. The position requires you to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. If you have a passion for public service and desire an opportunity to help your community grow and excel with your legal expertise and knowledge, we encourage you to apply.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Extensive experience in transactional legal work.

• Ability to provide legal advice on federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting housing authorities and emergency management.

• Skill in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, leases, and other legal documents, including those related to property transactions, housing development, and homeless services.

• Ability to interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations impacting housing services, including those of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• Skill in representing a public agency in legal proceedings, including coordinating tort claims and grievances.

• Ability to develop and assist in implementing policies related to public housing, assisted housing programs, and emergency management.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and support staff.

• Demonstrated high-quality legal work, strong work ethic, and a team-oriented approach.

• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning.

• High standards of professional competence and integrity.

• Experience interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for government agencies, large corporations, or other government-adjacent organizations.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Minimum Qualifications

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Assistant County Counsel, Senior

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA); AND

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university; AND

• At leastseven (7) years of professional legal experience related to the position.

Additional Requirements

• Current membership in the Oregon State Bar Association within 30 days of hire.

• Must pass a background investigation.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here.

Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link:Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email:Careers@WashingtonCountyOR.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

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