Washington County, OR - County Counsel

at  Raftelis

The County Counsel serves as a leader and advisor for the County in partnership with the County Commissioners, independently elected officials, County Administrator and department directors. They provide public policy and legal advice to elected officials, county management and affiliated agencies and within broad objectives established by the Board of County Commissioners, the County Counsel develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and priorities. This position provides an outstanding opportunity to address the most complex legal challenges and novel cases, work closely with elected and appointed policy officials and lead a team of dedicated professionals.
As a member of the Countys Executive Management Team, the County Counsel supports the facilitation of high-quality, effective service delivery in all County programs and effectively partners to develop innovative solutions. The County Counsel routinely advises County departments on appropriate action for a variety of legal problems and issues, particularly those involving county-wide policies or politically sensitive issues. They assist in creating a positive and supportive work environment countywide and actively promote the organizational values of equity, diversity and inclusion.
A highly effective leader, the County Counsel manages the Office of the County Counsel with responsibility for hiring, directing and evaluating staff that provide quality service internally to departments and the Board of Commissioners. The County Counsel develops and implements the office strategic plan and collaborates with staff to establish annual work plans with identified goals, objectives and measurable outcomes. The County Counsel develops annual and supplemental budgets for the Office of County Counsel and actively monitors revenues and expenditures. This position also presents budget proposals to the Budget Committee and the Board of County Commissioners.
The County Counsel provides or oversees legal representation in all civil matters on behalf of the County and prosecutes, defends and appeals legal actions, suits and other proceedings. This position reviews and analyzes court decisions and pending legislation and directs the research and preparation of legal opinions, memoranda, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, deeds and other legal documents. Representing the County in court, the County Counsel prepares and presents cases at trials or hearings and can effectively evaluate and negotiate out of court settlements.
The County Counsel reviews and interprets Federal, State and local legislation, statutes, rules and regulations and makes recommendations on proposed policy or procedural changes. This position also directs the preparation and analysis of proposed state and federal legislation affecting County operations. The County Counsel attends public meetings and work sessions advising on legal rights and responsibilities and other legal issues. They also approve the legal form of all official ordinances, orders and actions of the Commissioners. With an equity focus, this position assists in the full implementation of civil rights laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act, assuring best practices of investigation and tracking of client and employee discrimination and harassment complaints and advises on appropriate strategies for mitigating systemic racism and the promotion of racial equity via the development of department, division and county-wide policies, procedures, programs and business practices.

The Priorities

• Quickly develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with the Board of County Commissioners. Establish trust, ensure effective communication and proactively provide sound legal advice.
• Establish collaborative working relationships throughout the organization. Become a dedicated thought partner to the County Administrator, effectively collaborate with department directors and work in partnership to achieve Board priorities and strategic County initiatives.
• Develop an understanding of the One Washington County model and the Design the Future initiative. Assume a leadership role in implementing legal and business matters that support a more equitable, responsive and strategically collaborative organization.
• Continue to modernize and improve the Office of the County Counsel. Review the current structure and consider best practices to ensure the Office effectively meets the growing needs of the County.
• Identify and articulate technology and system needs to effectively leverage data and increase efficiency in support of performance excellence.
• Quickly come up to speed on the current work of the Office. Actively discuss cases, develop strategies as needed and successfully partner with the staff to provide sound legal advice on ongoing initiatives.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as a key organizational value. Support the Countys ongoing EDI initiative to deliver equitable outcomes throughout the Countys programs, budgets, decision-making and service delivery.

The Successful Candidate
The County Counsel is apolitical yet politically astute, with a strong history of developing effective relationships with elected officials and providing balanced and sound legal advice. The successful candidate develops positive partnerships throughout the County, establishes a high level of trust and actively collaborates with others to find creative solutions to problems. They are energized by the opportunity to support the Countys mission and strategic priorities and achieve the public policy objectives established by the Board of County Commissioners.
The successful candidate challenges the status quo and doesnt shy away from novel cases. They welcome the opportunity to lean in on countywide issues that may not be related to the Office of the County Counsel and embrace their role as a thought partner. The ideal candidate will have a vision for the Office of the County Counsel and the appropriate role the Office has in shaping and implementing public policy consistent with the Board and senior county management. 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 brings substantial government law experience and leverages that knowledge to anticipate issues and proactively mitigate risk. A calm yet confident leader, the successful candidate navigates controversial issues with ease and is strong enough to stand up to pressure and provide unpopular advice when needed. A highly effective communicator, the County Counsel is candid in their interactions with County officials and enjoys coordinating and preparing responses to inquiries by the media and general public regarding county legal matters. This includes the ability to explain complex legal issues to lay employees and the public.
With a commitment to the One Washington County model and leading the equitable delivery of Washington Countys services, the County Counsel embraces change and continuous improvement. The successful candidate is a solutions-oriented leader with an appreciation for lean management. They use data and analytics to drive decisions and leverage technology and innovation in support of efficient operations. In addition, the County Counsel has a strong background in financial management and budget administration.
A genuine and authentic leader, the County Counsel is approachable and actively nurtures an open and welcoming environment that continues to advance equity, diversity and inclusion. They actively promote an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society, creating a safe workplace for all. The successful candidate fosters a culture of excellence grounded in the high integrity and ethical behavior of the team. The County Counsel models accountability, setting clear expectations and providing direct and timely feedback to staff. The successful candidate leads and empowers staff, encouraging the development of creative options while still providing sound legal advice to complex government problems. Likewise, they solicit input from the team and leverage the in-depth knowledge and expertise of staff to collectively determine the Countys legal liability, vigorously defend claims and ultimately seek efficient and effective resolution.
Qualifications
A Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university and at least ten years of increasingly responsible legal experience, with an emphasis on government law, is required. A successful track record as a City or County Attorney, Deputy Attorney or experience in a private law firm advising public sector clients is ideal. Direct leadership experience managing professional and paraprofessional legal personnel is essential. Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal law, litigation, civil rights and labor relations law is required, as is expertise in successful negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution. A member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or the ability to obtain membership within 30 days is required.
A strong understanding of municipal governance and political processes is essential. Federal, State and local statutes, regulations, rules and ordinances applicable to County activities and functions, including municipal liability, public meetings, torts, land use, public records and public financing, is required. Knowledge of civil trial and appellate procedures in state and federal courts and administrative tribunals is ideal.
Inside Washington County
Washington County is a home-rule municipality that operates under the council-manager form of government. The five non-partisan elected Commissioners appoint a County Administrator to serve as the Chief Executive of the organization. The Chair of the Board of County Commissioners is elected at large, while the four other Commissioners are elected from districts. All Commissioners are elected to serve four-year terms. The Countys Executive Leadership Team is comprised of the County Administrator, Chief Equity Inclusion Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Public Affairs Communications Officer and four Assistant County Administrators.
Through a dedicated workforce of 2,570 FTEs, County services are provided through a number of departments, divisions and offices: Administrative Officer Operations; Assessment Taxation; Community Corrections; Community Development; Cooperative Library Services; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Equity, Inclusion Community Engagement; Facilities, Fleet and Park Services; Finance; Government Relations; Health Human Services; Housing Services; Human Resources; Information Technology Services; Juvenile Services; Land Use Transportation; Law Library; Public Affairs Communications; Sustainability; Watermaster and Westside Commons/Fair Complex. There are two liaison positions that support the offices of County Counsel Auditor and the offices of the Sheriff, District Attorney the Courts. The Countys All Funds Budget for FY 2024-25 is $2.1 billion, of which $326.6 million is the General Fund Budget and $461.5 million is the Capital Budget. The remainder is part of various special funds for specifically designated purposes.
The County works cooperatively with the cities that are wholly or partially within the Countys boundaries, five fire districts, plus Clean Water Services and other service districts to serve the Countys shared residential, business and institutional constituents. The County provides classic county services in rural areas, including zoning and public safety/sheriff patrols. The rural acreage of Washington County far exceeds the size of the urban area of the County, which includes cities and urban unincorporated suburban neighborhoods.
Through the Design the Future initiative, Washington County continues to focus on building a more responsive, equitable and strategically collaborative organization and recognizes the need for a well-trained, well-resourced, diverse and inclusive workforce that can function across disciplines and organizational structures. One Washington County is the unifying effort that produces a vision for a special community and mission-focused organization that can better serve the community now and in the years ahead.
The Office of the County Counsel
The Office of the County Counsel represents Washington County, including the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff and all county departments and employees. The Office also represents the Housing Authority and some of the other County service districts. Dedicated to providing legal advice and assisting the County and affiliated agencies achieve their goals, the Office provides the full range of civil representation, including general counsel and litigation with the exception of workers compensation, bond issuance and most collective bargaining matters. The Office continues to see an increase in novel cases.
With a budget of just over $4.6 million, the Office of the County Counsel is staffed by a talented and dedicated group of tenured employees led by the County Counsel. Two Deputy County Counsels, Eight Assistant County Counsels, two Paralegals, a Management Analyst and an Administrative Specialist complete the team. The Office delivers quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost while adhering to the highest ethical standards.
The Community
The area currently known as Washington County, Oregon, rests on land that was first inhabited by the Atfalati Kalapuyans, also called the Tualatin people, who flourished here for thousands of years. Settlers began arriving in what would become Washington County in the 1830s. Washington County is among the most culturally diverse counties in the State of Oregon.
Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, immigrants, refugees and people of all walks of life have rich histories and present-day experiences that encompass living, working, recreating and establishing businesses and faith communities in Washington County. In 2020, the Washington County Board of Commissioners publicly committed to creating an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and ensures all residents have equitable opportunities to lead healthy, peaceful, safe and sustainable lives.
Washington County is Oregons second-largest county with a population of 610,245. Residents have the unique privilege of engrossing themselves in some of the nations finest cultural amenities without forgoing access to picturesque natural landscapes. A beacon of originality, the Portland metropolitan area is home to one of the nations most vibrant music scenes, internationally famous street food, an iconic microbrew culture and a full calendar of events that is sure to provide year-round entertainment. Nicknamed the Silicon Forest, Washington County boasts Intels largest research and development location and share of employees and is the headquarters of Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Resers Fine Foods and Leupold Stevens.
The County seat and largest city is Hillsboro, which is widely known for its concentration of high-tech companies and its minor-league baseball team the Hillsboro Hops. Beaverton is the Countys second-largest city and with a population of just over 100,000, it consistently ranks among the nations best places to live. Rural lands and forested areas surround the entire urban area of the County. Three small, rural cities on the outskirts of the Countys urban center account for approximately 1% of the population. While 56% of the County resides within the ten Metro area cities, another 38% live in unincorporated suburban neighborhoods. Over 30,000 residents live in Washington Countys large, rural areas of farm and forest land. The Countys vibrant agricultural economy is sustained through the growing of berries, grapes and grains.
From hiking through lush forests and nature parks to enjoying the serenity of a day at the lake, outdoor adventure is never far away in Washington County. The Tualatin Valleys pristine rural wetlands and nature preserves are a haven for bird and wildlife-watching enthusiasts. The Northern and Western portions of the County are forested and sparsely populated but offer miles of trails and bike paths. Washington County enjoys the temperate year-round climate found throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the County Counsel is $230,000 - $270,000 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidates. Benefits offered to all employees include the following:

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• Enrollment in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System
• Vacation, administrative, holiday and sick leave
• Washington County Wellness Program
• Monthly Vehicle Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free annual TriMet light rail/bus pass

Full benefit details can be viewed here.
How to Apply
Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives and life experiences. The organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony, offering job stability and an opportunity to serve and support the growing, diverse community. Washington County is an equal-opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with the first review on September 8, 2024.
Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at hgantz@raftelis.comor 503-860-1111.
Recruitment Brochur

Please refer the Job description for details