Chief Attorney

CHIEF ATTORNEY (Senior Deputy Attorney) Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – this recruitment will establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Senior Deputy Attorney vacancies within the Department of Child Support Services (CSS). The list may also be used to fill similar and lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange. The recruitment remains open for a minimum of five (5) business days. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). THE OPPORTUNITY The County of Orange, Department of Child Support Services has a rewarding opportunity for a proactive, results-oriented leader to oversee the Attorney Team and provide legal analyses, opinions and recommendations as to child support laws, regulations and policies. RESPONSIBILITIES Advise Director on all legal matters pertaining to child support, including legislative matters Provide consultation and advice on questions of law and procedure Manage personnel matters including hiring, employee development, and disciplinary actions Act as department liaison as to legal matters with courts, Family Law Facilitator, Private Bar Association, LCSAs, State DCSS and other County agencies and partners Develop, evaluate, and implement department goals, objectives, policies and procedures; develop program evaluation, and assure departmental activities are in compliance with laws, policies, regulations, and goals Manage, delegate, and direct the work of the attorneys and support staff, establish work standards and procedures Perform or direct legal research and prepare legal opinions Confer with State DCSS, the Courts, the Private Bar Association, legal organizations, the public and other stakeholders, as appropriate and assigned Participate in meetings, seminars, conferences, and prepare presentations and reports for internal and external audiences Monitor and systemize regulations, statutes, and case law regarding child support and disseminate information Other related duties as required DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate will possess at least four (4) years of experience as an attorney in the child support program or related family law field with knowledge in child support laws, regulations, policies, and operations, or at least six (6) months of experience as a Deputy Attorney IV with the County of Orange. Technical Expertise Possess a breadth and depth of knowledge of child support laws, regulations, policies and business practices on a federal, state, and local level Experience in child support program engagement, negotiation, establishment and enforcement is highly desirable Leadership Skills Guide and direct others toward meeting departmental objectives Demonstrated ability to collaborate Model behavior that demonstrates strong work ethic and high level of personal integrity and trustworthiness Serve as a key and active participant in meetings and trainings Actively seek opportunities to serve the department and colleagues Coach and empower staff towards professional development Problem Solving | Analytical Skills Review and analyze studies, data, cases, laws, and reports Identify issues and develop reports to present to the court and Executive Management Proactively detect problems, weigh risks, balance needs and agency goals, develop solutions and make recommendations Utilize data to make informed and responsible decisions Effective Communication Skills Demonstrated ability to compose complex written communications Demonstrated ability to communicate well with staff, colleagues, peers, other teams, units, Executive Management, court partners, State DCSS, Private Bar Association, legal partners, and other County agencies Ensure customer service and satisfaction; respond timely to inquiries using effective verbal and written skills Display proficiency in handling difficult conversations with all levels of staff MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS All candidates considered for the position must meet the minimum qualifications for the Senior Deputy Attorney classification, including physical, mental, and environmental conditions. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Required License/Certificate: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Members in good standing with an assigned license number are also welcome to apply. An active California State Bar membership and eligibility to practice law in the State of California must be attained by date of appointment and maintained throughout employment. BACKGROUND CHECK All candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check to the satisfaction of the County. The background check may include professional references, criminal check, credit check, educational verification (e.g., degree, license, or official transcripts), etc. RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. Qualified applicants are referred to the Application Appraisal Panel for evaluation of job knowledge, competencies, and experience. Eligible List: HRS establishes an eligible list of candidates. Candidates may be selected for present and future vacancies. All applicants will be notified via email regarding their status in the recruitment process. CONTACT For specific information, please contact Brandy Soria at (714) 245-4580 or Brandy.Soria@ssa.ocgov.com. Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr