California Code, Government Code - GOV § 25203

The board shall direct and control the conduct of litigation in which the county, or any public entity of which the board is the governing body, is a party;  by a two-thirds vote of all the members, the board may employ counsel to assist the district attorney, county counsel, or other counsel for the county or entity in the conduct of such actions;  provided, however, that the board may authorize county officials, who are not attorneys, to initiate and conduct litigation in small claims court on behalf of the county.