In House Litigation Counsel

Position Summary
OGC 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, governance, interpretation of rules and regulations as well as litigating on behalf of public agencies in state and federal court proceedings. 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 and can efficiently manage multiple projects simultaneously. 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

• 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.

Skills and Competencies
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.

Qualifications and Prior Experience
Education: 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.

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

How to Apply
Please apply via this web link.