HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegal Counsel Recruitment MemoDate: September 11,2013
To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator
Re: Recruitment for Legal Counsel-September 16th work session item
As you are aware, Legal Counsel Mark Pilliod has announced his intentions to retire this fall. At
your September 16th work session, I am scheduled to meet with you to discuss the recruitment
plan and recruitment schedule.
As background, the Legal Counsel position is one of two positions that report directly to the
Board (the other position is the County Administrator). ORS 203.145 (attached) authorizes the
Board to appoint the Legal Counsel position.
The Personnel Department is currently conducting a salary survey of Legal Counsel positions
from comparable counties. This information will be forwarded to the Board once complete. In
addition, Mark Pilliod has updated the job description which will be the basis of the recruitment
brochure.
Before opening the recruitment, there are several decision points for the Board:
1. Would the Board like changes to the draft job description for Legal Counsel (attached)?
2. Would the Board like any additions or changes to the draft recruitment plan (attached)?
3. What recruitment timeline would the Board like, options are attached?
4. Does the Board intend to conduct phone or video phone interviews before in person
interviews?
c: Mark Pilliod, Legal Counsel
Tom Anderson, County Administrator
Debbie Legg, Personnel Services Manager
Tracy Scott, Human Resources Analyst
§ 203.1451
Appointment of legal counsel for county
governing body
. • authority of counsel
. • compensation
(I) As used in this section, board means board of county commissioners, county court or county
governing body of a county, as the case may be.
(2) Unless otherwise provided by county charter or legislation enacted pursuant thereto, the
board of each county may appoint a person or persons licensed to practice law in the State of
Oregon as counsel to advise the board and other county officers, to render services in connection
with legal questions of a civil nature arising in the discharge of their functions, to prosecute
violations of county law as defined by ORS 203.810 (Offenses under county law), and to provide
such additional services as the board determines. Counsel shall serve at the pleasure of the board,
on a full-or part-time basis, and be compensated in the manner and amounts the board
determines. The board shall reimburse counsel for necessary expenses incurred in performance
of services rendered and may provide personnel, facilities and office space necessary for counsel
to render such services.
(3) When a person or persons licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon have been
appointed pursuant to subsection (2) ofthis section, they shall have the same civil authority and
responsibilities as are otherwise provided for the district attorney when acting as advisor to the
board and county officers. [Formerly 203.121]
DESCHUTES COUNTY POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION: LEGAL COUNSEL JOB CODE: 1012
DEPARTMENT: LEGAL COUNSEL FLSA: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PAY GRADE:
SUMMARY
Serves as Chief Legal Counsel of the County; advises the Board of Commissioners,
County officials and Department Heads in all areas concerning civil legal matters;
provides public policy and legal advice to elected and appointed officials; performs
related work as required.
NATURE AND SCOPE
Works directly for the Board of Commissioners and advises on legal matters affecting
the County. Exercises supervision over the Office of Legal Counsel, which consists of
three assistant legal counsels, one paralegal and one legal assistant.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon. The Legal Counsel may represent the
County in significant litigation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Directs the activities of the Office of Legal Counsel; advises the County Board of
Commissioners and other County officials, department heads and county staff on legal
questions of a civil nature.
Serves as chief legal counsel for elected and appointed officials.
Conducts legal research necessary for case preparation, to answer questions from
County officials and to assure county legal compliance; keeps abreast of decisions and
legislation affecting the County.
Is proficient in civil procedures and represents the County in civil actions involving
substantial amounts of money or important legal questions.
Prepares and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal
documents and instruments for or on behalf of the county.
Reviews legal documents and reviews and advises as to legal acceptability.
Legal Counsel (Revised September 2013)
Drafts legal opinions for County departments.
Performs related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and Skills. Considerable knowledge of legal principles, practices, and
terminology; considerable knowledge of common, State and Federal civil law and
constitutional law affecting Oregon local governments. Skill in preparing and trying civil
cases in court.
Experience and Training. Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited school of law.
Outstanding academic credentials are desired. Seven years of experience in the practice
of municipal law at a level equivalent to, or greater than, an Assistant City or County
Counsel. Experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including liability defense, is desired.
Two years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience is
desired. Any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the
required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions may be
considered.
Abilities. Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal research and prepare sound
legal opinions; ability to a.nalyze and prepare a variety of complex legal documents;
ability to express i:deas effectively, orally and in wniting. Ability to effectively maintain
professional working relationships with elected officials, county staff and the
community.
Legal Counsel (Revised September 2013) 2
Draft Recruitment Plan
1. Update job description -in progress.
2. Conduct salary survey -in progress.
3. Department Head input into characteristics desired in Legal
Counsel hire.
4. Legal Counsel Office staff input into characteristics desired in
Legal Counsel hire.
5. Draft recruitment brochure.
6. Open recruitment.
7. Advertise: Association of Oregon Counties, League of Oregon
Cities, direct mailings, lCMA, Jobs Available, etc.
County Counsel Recruitment Timeline Options
Option A Option B Option C
Open Sept. 23 Sept. 25 Oct. 20
Close Nov. 3 Nov. 24 Dec. 20
Interview Nov. 14 and 15 or
Nov. 21 and 22
Dec. 12 and 13 Jan. 16 and 17 or Jan.
23 and 24
Estimated start date Jan. 15 Feb. 15 March 1
Notes Tight timeline; only
open for 6 weeks;
doesn't allow
outreach at AOC
conference.
Allows outreach at
AOC conference.
Holidays:
November 11 -Veterans' Day
November 28 -Thanksgiving
December 25 -Christmas
January 20 -MLK Holiday