Deputy County Counsel I-V (At-Will)

Full Job Description

This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies with the County Counsel’s Office of Tulare County. This recruitment is continuous and can be closed at any time without notice. Candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter with their application.

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: FEBRUARY 9, 2026

ABOUT THE OFFICE:

The County Counsel’s Office serves as the civil attorneys for Tulare County government, the Tulare County Association of Governments, the Tulare Local Agency Formation Commission, Tulare County Employees Retirement Association, Tulare County Regional Transit Agency, and the Workforce Investment Board.

The Legal Office includes 25 Attorneys, plus a complement of paralegals and support staff. The office is in the City of Visalia at the County Civic Center.

A position with the County Counsel’s office provides a unique opportunity to study and practice a wide range of law in service to an established and stable client.

While the successful candidate may be able to work with or on any of the four legal teams at County Counsel, the current vacancy is on the Litigation Team.

The successful candidate will bring strong civil litigation expertise, exceptional research and writing skills, and the ability to manage complex cases from start to finish.

They will represent Tulare County in state and federal courts, and administrative tribunals, handling motion practice, discovery, trails, and appeals, while also advising County departments on compliance, liability, and risk management.

This role requires sharp analytical thinking, persuasive advocacy, and collaborative communication to navigate matters involving torts, civil rights, employment law, and constitutional issues.

In addition to courtroom work candidates will respond to subpoenas, and writ proceedings, participate in administrative hearings, and help shape strategies that protect public resources and uphold the County’s legal integrity.

The County provides a benefit package including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave benefits, 1937 Act Retirement plan, life insurance, and reimbursement for California Bar Dues. Applicants may be granted advanced step appointments based upon experience.

ANNUAL SALARY RANGES:

I: $85,385 - $104,062, II: $97,146 - $118,395, III: $113,876 - $138,785, IV: $129,312 - $157,596, V: $139,875 - $170,471

These classifications will receive a 4% increase effective June 29,2026.

First review of applications: February 9, 2026

To review all information concerning Compensation & Benefits, Cost of Living, Educational Opportunities, and general information about living and working in Tulare County please review the

Deputy County Counsel Brochure

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE:

Active membership in the State Bar of California is required. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license is required.

Newly hired Attorneys will serve At-Will and hold noncompetitive status.

The Attorney class is flexibly staffed to allow for promotional opportunities as professional experience is gained and demonstrated.

• ATTORNEY I: No experience required. Some experience demonstrating familiarity with the practice of public law is desirable.
• ATTORNEY II: One to two years of full-time experience in the practice of civil law, preferably with one year of public civil law experience or one year of full-time experience with a public civil law agency.
• ATTORNEY III: Three years of full-time experience in the practice of public civil law; or two years of full-time experience with a public civil law agency.
• ATTORNEY IV: Four years of full-time experience with a public civil law agency; or five years of full-time experience in the practice of public civil law. Lead experience required. Supervisory experience highly desirable.
• ATTORNEY V: Five years of full-time experience with a public civil law agency; or six years of full-time experience in the practice of public civil law. Lead experience required. Supervisory experience highly desirable.

PERSONS APPLYING ABOVE THE I LEVEL MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN CIVIL LAW AS STATED ABOVE

PLEASE ATTACH A RESUME & COVER LETTER TO YOUR APPLICATION.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment:

College Cost Reduction Access Act: This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA).

Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible.

For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER