County Counsel Services

The County of Mendocino, a political subdivision of the State of California, is soliciting Letters of Qualifications (hereinafter ‘Letters’) from attorney(s) or law firm(s), licensed to practice in the state of California and Federal Courts, to provide County Counsel Services to the Board of Supervisors, Elected and Appointed Officials, and County Department Heads.

Mendocino County lies along the northern coast of California, and is noted for its distinctive Pacific Ocean coastline, which stretches from Piercy on its northern border to the small seaside town of Gualala on its southern border.  With an area of 3,878 square miles, Mendocino County encompasses 3,506 square miles of land and 372 square miles of water.  The County is located about 100 miles north of San Francisco.  Mendocino County borders six other California counties: Humbolt and Trinity to the north, Tehama, Glenn, and Lake to the East, and Sonoma to the south.  Mendocino County has four incorporated cities: Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Point Arena.  The City of Ukiah serves as the County seat and is the County’s largest incorporated city.  Roughly 68% of the population of Mendocino County live in unincorporated areas.  According to the United States Census Bureau’s Population Estimates as of July 1, 2023, Mendocino County’s population was 89,108.

The need for legal services is approximately 128-160 hours per month, or approximately 32-40 hours per week, emphasizing certain weekdays such as Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but subject to mutual understandings to be defined in the contract and negotiated with the County.

The County Counsel attends all Board of Supervisor meetings, with the regular monthly meetings occurring on the first and third Tuesday of each month.  County Counsel attends other meetings as necessary for public entity representation and defense.  Additionally, it is expected that County Counsel will be available to meet with Department Heads as requested.  In brief, County Counsel is appointed to assist the County with civil law, whereas the District Attorney is elected to prosecute criminal law.

Letters shall be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked to:

Mendocino County

501 Low Gap Rd., Room 1326

Ukiah, CA 95482

Attn. Cherie Johnson – Director of Human Resources

RFQ: County Counsel Services

Letters must be received, regardless of postmarked date, no later than May 29, 2026, by 3:00 PM.  Late or facsimile Letters will not be accepted.  It is the Firm’s responsibility to assure that its Letter is delivered and received at the location specified herein, on or before the date and hour set.  Letters received after the date and time specified will not be considered.

Please see RFQ 021-26, County Counsel Services for more information.