Chief Deputy County

Salary: $250,000.00 - $260,000.00 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26221804U
Department: County Counsel
Division: Claims
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
The County of San Diego's Office of County Counsel is seeking applications from exceptionally qualified individuals for the position of:
ChiefDeputy County Counsel

Click here to view a detailed job announcement including the duties and requirements of this position.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for consideration.
Special Notes: Click heretoreview the class description and full salary range for the Chief Deputy County Counsel.

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Military Skills Translator: Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please click here for the Military Skills Translator.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please review additional information at Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Click here to see the Unclassified Management Benefits Summary (UCL)
01

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire. Did you update your work history in your application profile?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have five (5) five years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the classification which must include two (2) years of management or supervision?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you posses active membership and remain in good standing with the State Bar of California?

• Yes
• No

04

Please provide your California Bar Card license number in the space below or attach a copy to your application. Please indicate N/A if you do not possess an active membership of the State Bar of California.
05

Redacted applications, résumés, and cover letters will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the recruitment brochure. Candidates deemed to possess the most relevant qualifications will be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation. Candidates who are selected to move forward in the selection process will be contacted directly by the hiring department. Did you attach your résumé and cover letter at the Attachments step of the online application?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your experience managing litigation portfolios, including case volume and risk exposure.
07

Please describe your experience, if any, high exposure tort cases.
08

Please describe your experience supervising attorneys and professional staff. Include examples of systems or tools you've implemented or improved to enhance efficiency and ensure accountability and performance.
09

Please describe your trial experience.
10

County Counsel attorneys often advise non-lawyer department and agency heads. How do you translate complex legal advice into practical guidance? Provide examples of experience coordinating legal strategy across multiple departments and stakeholders.
11

Why are you interested in serving San Diego County as Chief Deputy County Counsel?
12

Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• County of San Diego Website
• Linked In
• County Employee Resources Group (ERG)
• Governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• Voice and Viewpoint
• Family, Friend, or Neighbor
• NACO
• CSAC
• Go In House
• California Lawyers Association
• Associate of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
• Public CEO
• Hispanic National Bar Association
• San Diego County Bar Association
• City Attorney Association of San Diego County
• Earl B Gilliam Bar Foundation
• Lawyers Club
• La Razza Lawyers Association
• Tom Homann LGBTQ Law Association
• Other

13

If you selected "Other" please indicate where you first heard about this job opportunity. Please indicate "N/A" if this does not apply.
Required Question

Salary: $250,000.00 - $260,000.00 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26221804U
Department: County Counsel
Division: Claims
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
The County of San Diego's Office of County Counsel is seeking applications from exceptionally qualified individuals for the position of:
ChiefDeputy County Counsel

Click here to view a detailed job announcement including the duties and requirements of this position.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for consideration.
Special Notes: Click heretoreview the class description and full salary range for the Chief Deputy County Counsel.

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Persons serving in positions in the Unclassified Service do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Military Skills Translator: Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please click here for the Military Skills Translator.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please review additional information at Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Click here to see the Unclassified Management Benefits Summary (UCL)
01

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire. Did you update your work history in your application profile?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have five (5) five years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the classification which must include two (2) years of management or supervision?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you posses active membership and remain in good standing with the State Bar of California?

• Yes
• No

04

Please provide your California Bar Card license number in the space below or attach a copy to your application. Please indicate N/A if you do not possess an active membership of the State Bar of California.
05

Redacted applications, résumés, and cover letters will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the recruitment brochure. Candidates deemed to possess the most relevant qualifications will be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation. Candidates who are selected to move forward in the selection process will be contacted directly by the hiring department. Did you attach your résumé and cover letter at the Attachments step of the online application?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your experience managing litigation portfolios, including case volume and risk exposure.
07

Please describe your experience, if any, high exposure tort cases.
08

Please describe your experience supervising attorneys and professional staff. Include examples of systems or tools you've implemented or improved to enhance efficiency and ensure accountability and performance.
09

Please describe your trial experience.
10

County Counsel attorneys often advise non-lawyer department and agency heads. How do you translate complex legal advice into practical guidance? Provide examples of experience coordinating legal strategy across multiple departments and stakeholders.
11

Why are you interested in serving San Diego County as Chief Deputy County Counsel?
12

Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• County of San Diego Website
• Linked In
• County Employee Resources Group (ERG)
• Governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• Voice and Viewpoint
• Family, Friend, or Neighbor
• NACO
• CSAC
• Go In House
• California Lawyers Association
• Associate of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
• Public CEO
• Hispanic National Bar Association
• San Diego County Bar Association
• City Attorney Association of San Diego County
• Earl B Gilliam Bar Foundation
• Lawyers Club
• La Razza Lawyers Association
• Tom Homann LGBTQ Law Association
• Other

13

If you selected "Other" please indicate where you first heard about this job opportunity. Please indicate "N/A" if this does not apply.
Required Question

• 

• Government Careers

Show more