Matthew P. Dacey
Deputy County Counsel
Stockton,CA
Summary
I have19 years representing multiple San Joaquin County departments in multiple venues. I have provided legal advice to elected officials, department heads and employees. I have provided leadership to the County Counsel's Office through example and sharing my experience with the attorneys and management in my office.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Deputy County Counsel IV
San Joaquin County
Stockton, CA
01.2004 - Current
- For 19 years I have provided legal advice to County Departments. My responsibilities include court appearances, legal research, draft and review of contracts, draft and review of ordinances and assistance with employment issues.
- For the past three years I have been assigned to advise the Public Works Department and the Stockton Metropolitan Airport as well as handling litigation assignments for the County.
- For 16 years I represented the Sheriff's Office, Probation Department and District Attorney's Office. My responsibilities included providing legal advice to elected officials and numerous court appearances.
- For 5 years I represented the Public Conservator's Office in both LPS and Probate matters. Responsibilities included court appearances, law and motion work and one LPS jury trial in October 2006.
- I have also been assigned to represent the Office of the Agriculture Commissioner, the Office of Revenue and Recovery and County Auditor and Controller. Responsibilities included numerous court trials.
- For 10 years I defended various County departments in both Civil Service hearings and employment arbitrations.
- In April 2007, I represented the County and Sheriff's Office in a trial with plaintiff alleging False Arrest, which resulted in a defense verdict.
- I have represented the County in San Joaquin County Superior Civil and Criminal Court, argued in front of the Third District Court of Appeals, Federal Court- Eastern District, Federal Bankruptcy Court as well as represented the County in multiple mediations and arbitrations.
- For 19 years I have provided leadership to the County Counsel's Office by taking on difficult assignments, representing County Departments requiring heavy workloads and providing advice to co-workers and staff based on my experience.
- I have sat on hiring panels both the District Attorney's Office and the County Counsel's Office.
Captain
California State Military Reserve
Sacramento, CA
10.2004 - 10.2015
- I provided legal assistance to members of the national Guard, one weekend a month.
- My duties included providing legal advice and briefing soldiers and their dependants prior to deployment and upon their return.
- I assisted in processing of troops being deployed overseas at Camp Roberts on a per need basis which included preparing wills and health care directives.
Trial Attorney
Law Office Of Joseph Michael Sette
San Ramon, CA
02.2000 - 01.2004
- I represented clients in civil cases involving auto accidents, premises liability, product, construction defect and uninsured/underinsured motorist claims along with insurance coverage matters of property loss, med-pay and motor vehicle claims.
- I was individually responsible for a case load of 45-60 files from responsive pleading through jury trial or binding arbitration throughout 15 counties.
- I provided legal advice to clients and insurance carriers requiring legal research and analysis.
- I supervised clerical staff, paralegals and new attorneys.
- I took three cases to jury verdict and five cases through binding arbitration with excellent results.
- I assisted in managing the office for an approximate 3 month period while Mr. Sette was unavailable.
Paralegal/Sales Representative/Claims Adjuster
California State Automobile Association
Stockton/Fairfield, CA
09.1986 - 02.2000
- From 1993 to 2000, I was a paralegal providing legal assistance to 4 attorneys. My duties included legal research, drafting discovery responses and drafting law and motion briefs. Upon receiving State Bar membership, I made court appearances, argued law and motion matters and conducted a subrogation court trial.
- From 1987 to 1993, I was a state licensed sales representative and sold automobile insurance, homeowner's insurance and personal accident policies.
- From 1986 to 1987 I was a claims adjuster. I took reports, investigated claims, flat rated repair estimates, inspected vehicles and homes.
Education
No Degree - General Education
Solano Community College
Fairfield, CA 05.2001 -
Associate of Arts - Government/Communication Studies
California State University -Sacramento
Sacramento 08.1982 - 12.1985
J.D. - Law
Humphreys College/Drivon School of Law
Stockton, CA 08.1991 - 05.1995
Skills
State and Federal law
County Ordinance knowledge
Researching skills
Schedule Management
Court processes
Document preparation
Employee training
Timeline
Captain
California State Military Reserve
10.2004 - 10.2015
Deputy County Counsel IV
San Joaquin County
01.2004 - Current
No Degree - General Education
Solano Community College
05.2001 -
Trial Attorney
Law Office Of Joseph Michael Sette
02.2000 - 01.2004
J.D. - Law
Humphreys College/Drivon School of Law
08.1991 - 05.1995
Paralegal/Sales Representative/Claims Adjuster
California State Automobile Association
09.1986 - 02.2000
Associate of Arts - Government/Communication Studies
California State University -Sacramento
08.1982 - 12.1985