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Washington County

Assistant County Counsel II

Washington County, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States, 97104

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THE POSITION This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning on November 16, 2025. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

Both positions are part of the Assistant County Counsel series, allowing us to underfill the Assistant County Counsel II position at the Assistant County Counsel I level. We encourage anyone who meets either set of minimum qualifications to apply.

About The Office Of County Counsel Washington County Counsel’s Office represents the County in civil litigation at local, state, and federal levels, in administrative and enforcement proceedings, and provides legal advice and analysis to County departments. We deliver quality legal services while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Office, all County departments and employees, and agencies such as the Washington County Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services.

The Opportunity! As an Assistant County Counsel I/II, you will provide a full range of legal services to the Department of Housing Services, Housing Authority of Washington County, Office of Community Development, and Office of Emergency Management, among other County Departments. The role requires representation of the County in complex legal areas with minimal direction, problem‑solving and innovative legal skills, and collaboration with colleagues and clients. If you are passionate about public service and desire to help your community grow, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Job Duties

Provides legal services to a variety of County departments, offering legal advice and counsel.

Represents County departments in land use and code enforcement matters.

Provides legal assistance for major County departments and Service Districts.

Attends Board and Commission meetings to provide legal advice and counsel.

Reviews and approves contracts.

Housing Specific Duties

Serves as legal counsel and advisor for the Department of Housing Services and Housing Authority of Washington County, covering public housing, Section 8 programs, real‑estate acquisition and redevelopment, asset management, litigation, contracting, and public entity governance.

Provides legal opinions, interpretations, and recommendations to executive staff and senior management related to Housing Authority operations.

Reviews staff reports and proposed resolutions for the County Commission and Housing Authority Board of Directors.

Ensures compliance with corporate governance, filings, and board meetings for the Housing Authority and its affiliates.

Guarantees that programs and activities comply with applicable laws, statutes, codes, and regulations.

Offers legal support for real‑estate and financing transactions.

Participates in policy development for the Department and Housing Authority.

Develops frameworks for legal policies and practices within the Department and Housing Authority.

Minimum Qualifications

Assistant County Counsel II Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA).

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution.

Five (5) years of demonstrated experience as general counsel or a similar role.

Assistant County Counsel I Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA).

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution.

Three (3) years of professional‑level legal experience.

Additional Qualifications for Litigation Positions

Membership in the Oregon State Bar Association within 30 days of hire.

Must pass a background investigation.

Next Steps

Apply today! Submit an online application with a resume and a writing sample from a brief or legal memo.

HR will screen for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.

Panel interviews will be scheduled promptly with candidates who pass the screening.

Conditional offer of appointment and salary analysis will follow for successful candidates.

Background and licensure checks must be completed before a final offer.

Start date will be scheduled after all conditions are met.

Our Commitment to You We use a merit‑based system for recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work‑life harmony, offering job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to support our diverse community. Washington County is an equal‑opportunity employer.

Veterans' Preference If you are a veteran, you may be considered for Veterans' preference. Please review the Veterans' Preference Points guidelines at the provided link.

Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Reasonable accommodation is available to those whose disability prevents them from completing the application or participating in the selection process. Contact Human Resources at 503‑846‑8606 or Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov before the start of any recruitment step if you need assistance.

Status of Your Application You will be notified by e‑mail of your status at each step in the process, from initial application to final disposition. Please inform us of any changes to your email preferences.

Questions For more information, contact Laura Aranda, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, at Laura_Aranda@washingtoncountyor.gov.

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