MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of County Counsel is to provide quality, timely, and sound legal advice, services and representation in all civil and administrative proceedings to the Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed department heads, County departments, staff, and special districts.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The Office of County Counsel currently consists of the County Counsel, four (4) full time attorneys, and four (4) administrative and support staff. As the County’s Chief Legal Office, County Counsel serves as the attorney for Butte County, including the Board of Supervisors and all County offices, departments, boards, commissions, the Grand Jury, and special districts.

County Counsel is a support organization; our work is client driven, and we have no independent objectives. County Counsel is dedicated to the principle that thoughtful, credible and ethical legal services lead to fewer lawsuits, lower liability costs, better services and better County government. By interpreting the law in a sound and consistent manner we enable our clients to reach their objectives in accordance with local, state and federal law, thereby avoiding, to the extent possible, challenge and confusion.

County Counsel has primary responsibility for providing legal advice and assistance to the Board of Supervisors and County staff on matters such as: public policies; land use; human/social services; civil actions; risk management and insurance; municipal and public law; tort law; resources law; environmental law; nuisance abatement; personnel benefits, retirement and labor relations law; and construction, facilities and real estate law. The attorneys in the Office of County Counsel prepare board reports and recommendations; prepare legal opinions; draft ordinances, resolutions and proposed legislation; represent the county before the legislature as directed; formulate litigation strategies; oversee legal research and investigations; act as trial counsel in state court, federal court, and administrative proceedings; monitor legal developments; retain and manage outside counsel; and serve as attorneys for the County in all civil actions.