Assistant General Counsel - Civil Litigation, State & Federal Courts

ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL – Civil Litigation (State & Federal Courts)

Office of General Counsel

Annual Salary Range for Attorney III: $142,925 - $214,221

Annual Salary Range for Attorney IV: $157,218 - $235,643

FLSA Exempt / Non-Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week

About the Office 

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is the in-house counsel to the State Bar, providing a full range of services, including representation of the State Bar in all state and federal courts and before administrative agencies; advocacy of State Bar discipline and admission cases in the California Supreme Court; and providing legal advice to the State Bar Board of Trustees, and all State Bar entities, executives, and programmatic clients.

OGC provides legal advice and representation in the following areas: civil litigation, admissions and discipline, antitrust, Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, bankruptcy, California Public Records Act, collections, contracts, copyright, governance, labor and employment, legislation, regulations and rules, real estate, regulatory work, and general corporate matters. Attorneys in OGC are also expected to work on requests for “second-look” of disciplinary complaints that have been closed by Office of Chief Trial Counsel.

The Ideal Candidate

OGC seeks an attorney with a strong civil litigation background in both state and federal courts, including appeals. The ideal candidate will have public agency experience, including advising on laws such as the California Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and the Government Claims Act. 

We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated attorney who takes initiative, can work independently with sound judgment, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and providing clear, solution-oriented advice. They should be able to break down complex legal concepts clearly and concisely, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and be dedicated to public service. 

Being a natural collaborator is imperative for this position. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively with colleagues within the team and across the State Bar.

The ideal candidate will embody the State Bar's core values—particularly growth mindset, clarity, respect, and excellence—and align with the State Bar's mission, strategic plan, and goals of the office.

Attorney III

Definition 

Under direction and with a progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence, the Attorney III performs complex legal work that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda, and litigation activities. The Attorney III handles assigned litigation, frequently takes lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and assists in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar.  

Distinguishing Characteristics 

The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff. 

The Attorney III differs from the Attorney IV in that the latter has a more complex caseload and serves in a lead capacity over other attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.     

Examples of Essential Duties 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Maintains close working relationships with Management, subject matter supervisors, and members of the team to which they are assigned in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Coordinates the work of other staff necessary to perform assigned responsibilities and may participate in the training of other personnel. 
• Responsible for handling complex matters, with the expectation of producing favorable results.  
• Handling litigation matters, including responding to complaints, propounding and responding to discovery, substantive motions, and hearings, up to and including trial. 
• Conducting “second look” reviews of complaints filed against attorneys that have been closed by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel without taking any action and determining whether to recommend further actions with respect to such complaints. 
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities that are more complex than those handled by Attorney IIs and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials. 
• Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations, and other assignments of a more complex nature. 
• Coordinates with other attorneys, volunteers, and other constituencies as assigned. 
• Ensures the adequate, effective, and timely preparation, presentation, and completion of investigations, cases, and/or legal projects assigned. 
• Keeps informed and assures that subordinate staff is informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function. 
• May participate in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to human resources issues. 
• Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions and or alternative methods or procedures.  
• Assumes a senior-level role in advising management in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy. 
• Provides substantive and procedural guidance to lower-level Attorneys. 
• Provides direction to, and reviews the work of, non-attorney staff. 
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described. 

Employment Standards 

Knowledge of: 

• Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature. 
• Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies. 
• Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions. 
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California. 
• Rules and procedures related to public hearings.  
• Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management. 
• Advanced analytical skills. 
• Principles of effective time management. 
• Principles of oral advocacy. 
• Strong writing and oral communication skills. 
• Advanced legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings. 
• Principles of conflict resolution. 
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California. 

Ability to: 

• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications. 
• Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources. 
• Work under the pressure of short deadlines. 
• Effectively address conflict. 
• Review and analyze complex written documents. 
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education: 

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position. Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity. 

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification. 

License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:  

• Must be an active member, in good standing, in the State Bar of California.

Attorney IV

Definition 

Under general direction, the Attorney IV performs highly complex legal and litigation work that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research and analysis; and preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda. The Attorney IV takes lead responsibility in case/project management presentations and in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar. Incumbents in this class are well-experienced attorneys with expertise in a broad or specialized area of law and have demonstrated their ability to independently perform assignments consisting of complex and sensitive legal work of the State Bar and to consistently produce favorable results in these proceedings.  

Distinguishing Characteristics 

The Attorney III differs from the Attorney IV in that the latter has a more complex caseload and serves in a lead capacity over other attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff. 

The Attorney IV differs from the Attorney V in that the latter independently handles the most complex legal matters; develops and delivers training, projects, and protocols for the improvement of their assigned office; and may supervise other attorneys and administrative and professional staff.  

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Performs work involving innovative theories, specialization in an area of law in which the Attorney is recognized as having particular expertise. 
• Provides guidance to attorneys and other staff, as needed, in researching, interpreting, and applying legal principles of the most complex nature. 
• Assists in developing and delivering training to attorneys and staff in area(s) within their expertise. 
• Responsible for highly complex matters, including handling complex litigation, with the expectation of producing favorable results. 
• Conducts “second look” reviews of complaints filed against attorneys that have been closed by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel without taking any action, and determining whether to recommend further actions with respect to such complaints. 
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities of a highly complex nature. 
• Prepares legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials in highly complex matters. 
• Develops appropriate and sound strategy for handling of assigned cases, including litigation.   
• Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations and other assignments of a highly complex nature. 
• Coordinates with other attorneys, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, as assigned. 
• Ensures the adequate, effective, and timely preparation, presentation, and completion of investigations, cases, and/or legal projects assigned. 
• Stays informed and assures that subordinate staff is informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function. 
• Takes principal-level role in the effectuation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to human resources.  
• Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and develops solutions and or alternative methods or procedures.
• Performs other duties, as assigned. 

Employment Standards 

Knowledge of: 

• Substantive law, rules, decisions, practices and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature. 
• Advanced investigation techniques, and/or case management and presentation of matters to administrative bodies. 
• Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions. 
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California. 
• Rules and procedures for public meetings.  
• Advanced principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management. 
• Advanced principles of effective time management. 
• Advanced principles of oral advocacy. 
• Advanced legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings. 
• Advanced principles of conflict resolution. 
• Rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California. 

Ability to: 

• Communicate effectively whether through oral or written communications. 
• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications. 
• Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources. 
• Work under the pressure of short deadlines. 
• Effectively address conflict. 
• Review and analyze complex written documents. 
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position. Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity. 

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification. 

License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:

• Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset 

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect. 

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.