Assistant General Counsel

Position Summary
The Office of General Counsel seeks an attorney with a strong litigation background in state and federal court. The ideal candidate will also 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. Prior experience in other advisory and transactional matters, including insurance-related tasks, such as claims reporting and review of insurance policies, and drafting and reviewing contracts, is also desirable.

We are looking for a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously, and is skilled at providing solution-oriented advice. The successful candidate will possess the ability to break down complex legal concepts clearly and concisely, have a strong work ethic, and be dedicated to public service.

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

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

Duties and Responsibilities:
When Assigned to the Office of General Counsel:

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.

Skills and Competencies
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.

Qualifications and Prior Experience
Education:
Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.

Experience:
Minimum of four (4) 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.

License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:
Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.

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

How to Apply
Please apply via the State Bar website.