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  • Deputy County Counsel IV

    Salinas, California United States Monterey County Human Resources Full Time $177,848.00 - $242,902.00 Annually Jan 26, 2026
    Monterey County Human Resources Employer:

    Monterey County Human Resources

    Monterey County Statement  Monterey County was founded in 1850 and is governed by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. It is located on the beautiful Central Coast and is the longest county in California stretching 105 miles from the Santa Clara County border South to San Luis Obispo County.  Monterey County provides a full range of services to the community through its 26 departments and 5,000 plus employees.  As an employer, Monterey County is diverse and inclusive, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We aspire to hire employees who will contribute to the County’s mission to excel at providing quality services for the benefit all Monterey County residents while developing, maintaining, and enhancing the resources of the region.  The County offers a great benefits package and provides the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues who support and promote a safe, healthy and prosperous community for all.  Monterey County is rich in coastal lands and agricultural fields and is also known as the Salad Bowl of the World.  Monterey County is the best place to work and prides itself on being the employer of choice. The Right Career, Right Here! For more information please visit our website Please visit our Facebook page.

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    Job Description

    Position Description

    Open Until Filled

    Priority Screening Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026

    Exam #: 26/39B23/01JL

    Deputy County Counsel IV

    $177,848 - $242,902 Annually

    All application materials must be received by the priority screening date of Sunday, February 8, 2026, for a guaranteed review. Applications received after this date will be considered on an as needed basis until the position is filled.

    The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

    The County of Monterey Office of the County Counsel serves as the in-house legal counsel for the County of Monterey, Board of Supervisors, and all County officers, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as liaison and support to the Civil Grand Jury. In addition to providing legal advice, the Office represents the County in civil and special litigation in state and federal courts, various administrative proceedings, and coordinates the services of outside legal counsel. The Office of the County Counsel consists of four divisions: General Government, Litigation, Land Use and Risk Management.

    The Office of the County Counsel seeks a highly motivated senior professional with a desire to defend and advise the County in the most difficult and complex legal matters as a Deputy County Counsel IV. Under general direction, the Deputy County Counsel IV conducts litigation and performs complex legal work involved in the provision of legal counsel for County officials, agents, departments, and special districts, and in the defense of the County; and performs highly responsible professional and administrative legal work and acts as a principal legal advisor to large County departments and/or special districts in specialized areas of business.

    This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the highest level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.

    The Eligible List established by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

    Examples of Duties

    • Develop and give legal advice regarding resolution of problems that may have far-reaching implications on County operations and programs
    • Acts as legal advisor to a large County department or special district, supervising and participating in the resolution of difficult legal questions regarding powers, duties, procedures and operations
    • Prepare legal briefs, drafts contracts, deeds, leases, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal instruments
    • Attend meetings of boards and commissions as requested and give both oral and written legal advice and counsel
    • Study and interpret laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities
    • Conduct discovery, examine and interpret evidence; and prosecute on behalf of or defend the County, its officers and employees in the most complex and important civil cases
    • Prepare briefs and pleadings in both trial court and appellate matters; dictate legal briefs and correspondence
    • Handle pretrial and settlement conferences
    • Perform related work as assigned


    To view the complete classification specification, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Deputy County Counsel IV

    THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

    Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

    Thorough knowledge of:

    • Principles of civil, constitutional and administrative law and of California and federal civil procedure and litigation, particularly as it relates to County government, and other public agency law
    • Principles, methods and materials of legal research
    • The rules of evidence, discovery practice and appellate practice
    • Those areas of law directly affecting public entities and their operation, and public officials and employees and their rights, duties and responsibilities


    Skill and ability to:

    • Draft legal instruments such as ordinances, resolutions, Board Orders and contracts
    • Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents, and present such materials clearly and concisely, either in oral or in written legal form
    • Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments and give sound legal advice or devise appropriate plan of action based thereon; defend the County in litigation
    • Establish and maintain confidential relationships with County department heads and members of the Board of Supervisors
    • Develop and maintain cooperative work relationships both within the County Counsel’s Office and with those contacted within the course and scope of work


    Examples of Experience/Education/Training

    Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

    Experience:

    Two years of experience as Deputy County Counsel III with the County of Monterey; or three years of increasingly responsible experience with a public agency or private law firm in the appropriate legal specialty at a level comparable to a Deputy County Counsel III in the County of Monterey.

    OR

    Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a county counsel’s office, city attorney, private law firm, or other civil public law office.

    OR

    A combination thereof.

    Additional Information

    CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

    The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Pursuant to Section 6060 of the Business & Professions Code, current, valid membership in the California State Bar is required at the time of appointment
    • Possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record or provide evidence of suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority
    • Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings


    BENEFITS

    The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit G Benefit Summary Sheet . This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

    NOTES

    • As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions
    • Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9
    • If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary


    Application and Selection Procedures

    Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty

    OR

    Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours

    Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

    Human Resources Department

    Attn: Jovany Luna

    168 W. Alisal St., 3 rd Floor

    Salinas, CA 93901

    Email: LunaCorreaJ@countyofmonterey.gov | Phone: (831) 755-5395

    The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

    • A completed County of Monterey Employment Application

    • Responses to the Supplemental Questions


    All application materials must be received by the priority screening date of Sunday, February 8, 2026, for a guaranteed review. Applications received after this date will be considered on an as needed basis until the position is filled. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

    HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES

    The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application

    To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the priority screening dateto VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

    The County of Monterey is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. The County of Monterey is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jovany Luna, Supervising HR Analyst, at LunaCorreaJ@countyofmonterey.gov or at (831) 755-5395.

    http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

    Special Instructions

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities

Top Government Legal Jobs: A Guide to Finding the Best Opportunities
 

Introduction to Government Legal Careers

Government legal jobs offer diverse opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and experienced attorneys to work in various government agencies and departments. These roles enable professionals to contribute to impactful cases while developing expertise in specific areas of law.

The federal government, state governments, and various agencies provide many career paths for legal professionals. With attorney positions available across sectors, government legal careers offer the chance to influence policy, engage in public service, and develop a deep understanding of the law.

Key highlights of government legal careers:

  • Work on high-profile and significant cases.
  • Gain specialized knowledge in areas like government contracts and compliance.
  • Contribute to public service, shaping laws and regulations.
 

Types of Government Agencies

Legal professionals are employed by government agencies at both the federal and state levels. These agencies offer positions for attorneys, paralegals, and specialists and cover a wide range of legal functions, from litigation to regulatory compliance.

Some of the key agencies that hire legal professionals include:

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  • Federal agencies: The Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.
  • State government agencies: State attorneys general offices, legislative legal departments, and public defenders’ offices.
  • Government contractors: Companies working with the government often employ legal professionals to handle regulatory compliance and government contracts.

This variety of agencies allows attorneys to explore different areas of law and government service, making government legal jobs diverse and highly rewarding.

 

Requirements for Government Legal Jobs

Candidates must meet educational and professional standards to qualify for most government legal jobs. Attorney positions typically require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Paralegal specialist roles often require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in legal practice.

Here are some key requirements:

  • Attorney positions: Requires a J.D. degree and, in many cases, bar membership in good standing.
  • Paralegal specialist positions: Requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in legal work.
  • Entry-level attorney positions: Recent law school graduates can apply for positions through the federal government’s excepted service programs or state government agencies.

To succeed in these roles, having a solid legal foundation, an understanding of governmental structures, and knowledge of the specific requirements outlined in each vacancy announcement is essential.

 

Application & Hiring Process

Applying for government legal jobs requires following a formal process. The federal government and many state agencies use USAJOBS to list available positions, while other agencies might have their career portals. Understanding how to navigate these systems is essential for securing a position.

The typical application process includes:

  1. Finding job listings: Check USAJOBS or individual agency websites such as the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  2. Submitting an application: Most applications require a resume, cover letter, and writing samples demonstrating legal expertise.
  3. Meeting qualifications: Each vacancy announcement lists the required qualifications, including specific legal experience, educational background, or bar status.
  4. Screening process: Many agencies conduct interviews and thorough background checks as part of their hiring process.
category039-image-002-careers-in-governmen

Applicants should pay close attention to the specific criteria in the job announcements to ensure their application materials are tailored to the role.

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Benefits of Government Legal Careers

One of the main attractions of government legal careers is the stability and long-term benefits they provide. These positions offer not only competitive salaries but also excellent job security. Furthermore, government employees often enjoy comprehensive healthcare plans, retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

The benefits include:

  • Job security: Government positions offer reliable and stable employment.
  • Professional growth: Opportunities for advancement and specialized training are often available, allowing attorneys to develop expertise in particular legal areas.
  • Public service: Contributing to the justice system and working on impactful cases can be deeply fulfilling for those passionate about the law.

Many attorneys in government roles find the combination of career growth and public service an ideal mix for long-term professional satisfaction.

Specialized Government Legal Roles

Government legal jobs are not limited to general practice; they often involve specialization in specific legal fields. Attorneys working for government agencies can focus on environmental law, national security, labor law, or government contracts.

category039-image-003-careers-in-government

Specialized roles include:

  • General Counsel: Provides legal advice to government agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Attorneys in niche fields: These roles include legal professionals working on intellectual property, government contracts, and public policy issues.
  • Paralegal specialists: Support attorneys in legal research, document preparation, and case management tasks.

Such roles allow attorneys to dive deep into specific legal areas while contributing to government policies and regulations.

 

Finding Government Legal Jobs

For those interested in government legal careers, several resources can assist with job searches:

  • USAJOBS: This platform comprehensively lists federal government job openings, including legal positions.
  • Agency websites: Federal agencies like the Department of Justice and state government websites regularly post job opportunities.
  • Networking: Connecting with current or former government attorneys can open doors to hidden opportunities and provide valuable insights into the application process.

These resources can help streamline the search for government legal positions and increase the chances of landing a role that fits your expertise.

 

Resources for Government Legal Job Seekers

Several professional organizations and resources provide guidance and support for those seeking government legal jobs:

  • American Bar Association (ABA): Offers tools and advice for law students and recent graduates looking to enter public service law.
  • National Association of Law Placement (NALP): Provides job listings and career guidance for government and public interest legal positions.
  • Government agency websites: Many agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, offer career resources for aspiring government attorneys.
category039-image-004-careers-in-governmen

These resources can help candidates navigate the complexities of the government hiring process and build successful careers in public service law.

 

Tips for Success in Government Legal Careers

To excel in government legal jobs, consider the following strategies:

  • Strengthen research and writing skills: These are crucial for success in government attorney positions.
  • Develop expertise in a niche area: Specialization in areas like environmental law or government contracts can boost your career prospects.
  • Network with professionals: Building relationships with government legal professionals can provide valuable career insights and opportunities.

Aspiring government attorneys can position themselves for success and growth within the public sector by focusing on these areas.

 

Conclusion

Government legal jobs offer many opportunities for law students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals. With roles available at federal and state levels, government agencies provide meaningful career paths that allow legal professionals to develop specialized knowledge, serve the public, and contribute to the justice system. By understanding the requirements, application process, and available resources, you can successfully navigate your way to a rewarding career in government law.

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