At the recent San Diego County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding the compensation of county council attorneys, highlighting a troubling pay disparity compared to their counterparts in the public defender and district attorney offices.

Kristen O'Giel, vice president of the Deputy County Councils Association, emphasized the critical need for equitable compensation, arguing that the current proposal would create a substantial pay gap that could hinder the county's ability to retain experienced legal professionals. "Our judgment, legal skills, and institutional knowledge are relied upon every day by every department," she stated, urging the board to consider the long-term benefits of fair pay.

Robert Ortiz, a senior deputy county council, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the rationale for lower pay lacks data support. He implored the board to review previous correspondence that outlines these concerns, stressing the importance of ensuring that county council attorneys are valued equally to their peers.

Other attorneys, including Sarah Lanham and Jack Wong, reinforced the message, highlighting their integral roles in supporting public safety and providing legal advice across various county departments. Lanham noted that county council attorneys are deeply involved in advising law enforcement and ensuring compliance with legal standards, while Wong argued that the complexity and stakes of their work are comparable to those in other legal roles within the county.

As the board prepares for closed session discussions, the call for a reassessment of compensation for county council attorneys is clear. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for the county's ability to attract and retain top legal talent, ultimately impacting the quality of legal services provided to the community.