Closing on: Oct 30, 2026
| Company Intro |
| The County of Alameda, California, is seeking a seasoned legal executive to serve as its next County Counsel. Reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors, the County Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Supervisors, executive team, staff, commissions, and special districts, while also overseeing the work of outside counsel retained to handle specialized or complex litigation and legal matters affecting County government. They will lead a department with a total budgeted staff of 80 and an annual budget of approximately $18 million and ideally bring broad public-sector legal expertise, sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to build trust, communicate effectively, navigate with discretion, and provide practical counsel in support of the County’s mission and strategic priorities. Be the trusted legal voice behind one of California’s most dynamic counties; apply today! |
| Job Description/Duties |
| THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is a politically astute, ethical and collaborative leader who communicates clearly, translates complex issues into understandable guidance, and presents thoughtful options and strategies that move initiatives forward and empower well-informed decision-making. They approach problem-solving with creativity and pragmatism, focusing on how to achieve objectives safely and effectively rather than simply identifying obstacles. They are an analytical legal executive with broad public agency law experience and the ability to quickly assess new and evolving legal issues. Above all, the ideal County Counsel is committed to actualizing the best possible outcomes for the County. The successful candidate will bring: • Experience with complex litigation, land use, employment law, and other public-sector legal matters. • The ability to provide clear, practical, and objective guidance that supports informed decision-making. • The professional judgment, independence, and integrity needed to address sensitive matters while upholding the highest ethical standards. • Natural curiosity, strong analytical skills, and a hardworking approach to understanding the complexity and evolving nature of public law. • A thoughtful, steady leadership style that supports continued excellence, collaboration, and professional development. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following core competencies: • High Standards: Maintains exceptional professional standards and delivers high-quality legal counsel and organizational leadership. • Composure: Remains calm, objective, and effective when navigating complex legal matters, political sensitivities, and high-pressure situations. • Integrity: Demonstrates unwavering ethical judgment, independence, and accountability while building trust with elected officials, County leadership, staff, and stakeholders. • Self-Objectivity: Demonstrates self-awareness and sound judgment by thoughtfully considering diverse perspectives, remaining open to feedback, and making decisions based on facts, law, and the best interests of the County. |
| Job Criteria |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Either the equivalent of five (5) years full-time experience in the class of Deputy County Counsel, or the equivalent of two years full-time experience in the class of Senior Deputy County Counsel, or the equivalent of one (1) year full-time experience in the class of Assistant County Counsel or Chief Assistant County Counsel in the County of Alameda classified service. OR The equivalent of six (6) years full-time, increasingly responsible experience as an attorney in the field of civil law. OR Any combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities. License: • Current membership in the California State Bar in good standing. • Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. |
| Salary Range/Hourly Rate |
| $319,904 – $415,625 |
| Other Benefits and Perks |
| SALARY & BENEFITS This position will receive an annual salary of $319,904 – $415,625 DOE/DOQ, PLUS an excellent benefits package that includes: • Medical Insurance: The County pays 85% of medical premiums for employees and eligible dependents, with HMO and PPO options available. A $3,600 County Allowance is provided for eligible health and insurance expenses. • Dental Insurance: The County pays 100% of dental premiums, with PPO and HMO options, including adult and child orthodontia. • Vision Insurance: Voluntary vision coverage is available through Vision Services Plan (VSP). • Retirement: Employees participate in the Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Association (ACERA) defined benefit plan. The County also contributes 7% of salary to a 401(a) retirement plan. • Deferred Compensation: The County contributes the maximum allowed by IRS Code 457 to the County’s Deferred Compensation Plan. For 2026, the annual normal maximum is $24,500; employees may also contribute, with a $20 minimum per pay period. • Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax options include Health FSA, Dependent Care Assistance, Adoption Assistance, and Commuter Benefits. • Disability Benefits: SDI and Paid Family Leave are available; voluntary Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage. • Life/AD&D Insurance: The County provides $75,000 in Basic Life Insurance. Supplemental Life and Group AD&D coverage are available for purchase. • Paid Time Off: Includes up to 25 vacation days (accrual rate depends on years of service), 12 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, 8 Management Paid Leave days, and up to 13 sick days annually (no maximum sick day accrual). • Car Allowance: $509.23 per pay period is provided in lieu of an assigned County vehicle. • Additional Benefits: Includes Guaranteed Ride Home, Employee Assistance Plan, Life Assistance Plan, and voluntary legal, pet, accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, and identity protection plans. |
Job Category: Municipal Law
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Oakland