Assistant County Counsel
Yamhill County has one regular, full-time position for an Assistant County Counsel. In this role you will advise and represent the various boards, commissions, officers, employees and agents of Yamhill County on various legal matters of county concern. Assists the County Counsel on civil matters to which the County is a party, including, but not limited to, litigation, real property transactions, property tax appeals, personnel grievances, labor negotiations, land use appeals, environmental complaints, and other legal matters. Performs a variety of increasingly independent professional legal work for assigned County departments/divisions, including, but not limited to, court appearances, administrative hearings, public contracting, public records requests, parliamentary conferrals, and related transactional work. Performs related legal work as required.
Supervision Received: Works under supervision of the County Counsel who assigns work, checks performance and provides professional consultation. Supervision Exercised: Supervision of other employees is not generally a responsibility of the position. Duties and Responsibilities Include Essential Functions of Positions Assigned to This Classification. Depending on Assignment, the Employee May Perform a Combination of Some or All of the Following Duties: Provides legal counsel to Board of Commissioners, County officers, County departments, and various other boards and commissions, advising on legal rights and responsibilities and other legal matters. Prepares legal opinions for questions referred by the County Counsel, Elected Officials, or Department Heads. Assists in preparation of memoranda and pleadings, and when directed, appears on behalf of the County in court actions and in front of other administrative agencies, including the Oregon Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of Oregon, the Oregon Employment Relations Board, Oregon Tax Court, the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry, and other administrative agencies as directed by County Counsel. Attnds meetings of various County boards and commissions assigned by County Counsel, which may include Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Fair Board, Park Board, among others. Assists in review or revision of the Yamhill County Code and/or Yamhill County Policies and Procedures as required by law and referred by the County Counsel. Advises the County on legal matters relating to public contracts and intergovernmental agreements. As directed by the County Counsel, supervises and assists in preparation of annual tax foreclosure proceedings, including the sale tax foreclosed properties, in conjunction with the County Treasurer and County Assessor. Drafts board orders, ordinances and resolutions. Reviews and prepares deeds and other real property transactional documents. Enforces or assists in enforcement of any law pursuant to direction of County Counsel or Elected Official. Investigates all potential claims for money damages or injunctive relief made against the County and submits the investigation results to the County Administrator, or delegate, for action. Attend training necessary for minimum continuing legal education. Keeps abreast of Court decisions and existing and pending legislation affecting the County. Maintains effective, harmonious and reasonable work relationships with others. Maintains regular and predictable work attendance. Performs other duties, as assigned.
The Benefits Yamhill County offers generous employee benefits:
- 15 paid holidays per year.
- 19.5 days of Flexible Earned Time (FET) accrual in the first year (based on an 8-hr day).
- PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) - 100% employer funded contributions.
- Full health benefit offerings with employee premiums starting as low as $89.02/month for PPO and $0 monthly for HMO for 2026 to 2027 plan year. *
- Qualifying employer for public service student loan forgiveness.
*Subject to the AFCSME Collective Bargaining Agreement (7/1/2023 – 6/30/2026).
Our Community Yamhill County has approximately 109,000 residents and is a very desirable place to live in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. Yamhill County is home to Linfield University and Chemeketa Community College in McMinnville and George Fox University and Portland Community College in Newberg. Yamhill County is centrally located in the Willamette Valley, within proximity to the Oregon Coast, the Portland and Salem metropolitan areas, and the Oregon Cascade Mountains. Wide varieties of indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities are available. We have the benefits, appeal and superior quality of life found in a small-town community, while enjoying active social and cultural lifestyles found in larger metropolitan areas.
Required Information Under the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, any person hired or rehired is required to provide evidence of identity and eligibility for employment. Yamhill County does not offer VISA sponsorships. The County verifies the valid work authorization of each employee using Form I-9 and the E-Verify Program.
Yamhill County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants are considered for employment based on their qualifications without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other factor prohibited by law or regulation. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Do not include information or photos that would identify those personal traits. Documents included with this identifying information will be removed from the application packet.
Some positions require a criminal history check and a review of driving record. All County positions require regular, prompt, and consistent attendance.
Accommodation Under the Americans With Disabilities Act Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at or via email at
Veterans' Preference Under Oregon law ORS , veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for hiring preference. If you think you may qualify, please complete and attach all the following.
- Veteran's Hiring Preference (Veterans Preference Hiring Form-PDF)
- Supporting Documentation- (Refer to VA Preference form for list)
If you need assistance with completing an application for employment or with obtaining a Veteran's Hiring Preference Form, please contact Human Resources at or via email at
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