Assistant County Counsel I​/II

Overview

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

Job Type: Regular

Pay Range: $ - $ Salary

Department: County Counsel

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning the week of Monday, February 8, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

We are recruiting for an Assistant County Counsel I or II to join the Washington County Counsel's Office as a litigator. The Washington County Counsel's Office represents the County in all civil litigation in state and federal courts, in administrative and enforcement proceedings, and provides advice and analysis to County departments. This position will support the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and all County departments and employees.

In this litigation role, you will provide a full range of civil litigation representation to the County, from initial investigations through post-judgment appeals. As a member of the County's litigation team, you may represent any of the County's departments in proceedings before courts, boards, arbitrators, and other administrative agencies, as well as providing sound legal and risk management advice across a spectrum of general legal issues related to public agencies.

You will work on routine to complex matters with the expectations to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Pursues and defends legal actions in state and federal courts, as well as Oregon Court of Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Researches and analyzes legal and factual information. Prepares, drafts, and/or revises legal pleadings, motions, appeals. Prepares and presents cases at pretrial hearings, trials, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Researches, studies, and interprets the application of laws, court decisions and other legal authorities and precedents for the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs.
• Attends meetings of County departments to give legal advice and counsel.
• Represents County in state and federal administrative bodies.

Our Ideal Candidate has experience in civil litigation, with an additional interest in employment litigation. This candidate can spot legal issues, manage discovery, conduct and defend depositions, trials, arbitrations, mediations, and negotiate settlements. This candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and support staff. Stellar legal work, a strong work ethic, and team-oriented approach, as well as intellectual curiosity are necessary for success.

The ideal candidate has high standards of professional competence and integrity and has experience interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for government agencies, large corporations or other government-adjacent organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

Assistant County Counsel II (Salary Range: $ - $ Annually):

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA)
  AND Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university;
  AND
• Five (5) years of experience in all aspects of state or federal civil litigation. Trial, arbitration, and mediation experience
• Ability to spot legal issues; manage discovery; conduct and defend depositions
• Interpret and apply laws in the preparation and drafting of legal documents and legal opinions.

Assistant County Counsel I (Salary Range: $ - $ Annually):

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA)
  AND Juris Doctor (JD) graduate from an accredited college or university;
  AND
• Three (3) years of professional-level legal experience.

Additional Special Qualifications

• Membership in the Oregon State Bar Association within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a background investigation.

Note:

Classifications are typically written broadly. To review more details of these classifications, please use these links:
Assistant County Counsel I & Assistant County Counsel II.

Supplemental Information

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.

Steps of the process:

• Apply today! Complete and submit an online application. Your application will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act. The closing date may be extended at any time.
• Minimum Qualification (MQ) Review: Application materials will be screened for minimum qualifications after the initial review date.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials.
• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel…