County trying to recruit new attorneys, no hires yet
Imperial County officials said they’re actively trying to recruit new attorneys in the wake of a recent attorney strike.
Rodolfo Aguayo, I.C. Human Resources, said, “We’ve reached out to several multiple entities including colleges and other employers. We’ve developed a flyer and we’re advertising the latest recruitment efforts of what the imperial county has to offer.”
The county has received five applications of which two cancelled, two were rejected by the District Attorney’s Office, and one has not interviewed yet. And there’s still another applicant interested, but who hasn’t received their attorney license yet.
The county is promoting the area as a good place to work and live.
“And sending out probably hundreds of letters to candidates that may be a good fit for the county,” Aguayo said.
However, Aguayo said finances continue to be a factor in making hiring decisions.
“And budget changes every month, every week, every day. So, it’s hard to say what is going to be affordable tomorrow and the next day,” Aguayo said.
Ryan Kelley, I.C. County Supervisor Board Chairman, said they understand the attorney’s case overload situation.
“We understood their concern and we tried to address it in the best way that we could financially for the county by offering an incentive to bring in people into this valley,” Kelley said.
Twylla Johnson, I.C. Deputy District Attorneys Association President, said the sign-up bonus offered by the county might not be enough.
“I’m just skeptical that people are going to pick up and move down here for two years for $5,000 when they can apply elsewhere and start already with a salary well above $5,000 more than we pay,” Johnson said.
She said low salaries might work for beginning attorneys.
“But, it’s just really not anything that’s going to help us keep our experienced attorneys,” Johnson said.
The county has not ruled out increasing salaries in the future.
“It is not a static thing. It is changing. It changes by those agreements,” Kelley said.
There are currently 15 deputy district attorneys on staff. The county would like to increase that to 20.
