Attorney

California Department of Managed Health Care; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework

Job summary

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) seeks an Attorney for its Office of Enforcement in Sacramento County. The role involves handling litigation related to Knox-Keene Act and related regulations, with responsibilities including discovery, hearings, research, and advising management.

The position emphasizes in-house counsel duties, litigation support, and strategic analysis across administrative and judicial venues.

Qualifications

• Position requires in-house counsel work experience and ability to draft legal opinions.
• Understanding of California Administrative Branch and oversight agencies.
• Ability to maintain relationships with colleagues and management while working independently.
• Superior research, analytical, and communication skills; meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Draft discovery and respond to difficult legal correspondence.
• Represent the Department at hearings and in California courts.
• Perform legal research and provide opinions to management.
• Prepare cases for litigation before administrative law judges, trial and appellate courts.
• Interview witnesses and evaluate evidence.

Skills

In-house counsel work

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Job description

Job Description And Duties

This is a re-advertisement. If you have already applied your application is still being considered.

The Office of Enforcement at the Department of Managed Health Care handles the litigation needs of the Department and represents the Department in actions to enforce the managed health care laws. The Office of Enforcement has an exciting opportunity for a motivated, committed attorney. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing sensitive and complex litigation work for the Department related to health care service plans pursuant to the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, (Health and Safety Code section 1340, et seq.) and its implementing regulations (California Code of Regulations, title 28, division 1, chapter 1 (sections 1300.41-1300.826)).

The incumbent will be involved in prosecuting and defending civil and administrative cases and have the ability to perform professional legal work of average difficulty.

Essential Functions of This Position Include, but Are Not Limited To, the Following (Other Duties May Be Assigned)

An Attorney for the Office of Enforcement at the Department of Managed Health Care performs a wide variety of legal work. Assignments typically consist of, but are not limited to: drafting discovery; representing the Department at hearings; performing legal research; rendering legal advice and opinions to Department management; responding to difficult legal correspondence; and developing strategy and tactics in a variety of disputes and litigation. In addition, the Attorney interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities; and appears in all California courts.

The Attorney is responsible for effectively performing sensitive and professional legal work by conducting negotiations; preparing cases, opinions, briefs, and other legal documents such as memoranda and reports; preparing cases which may result in litigation before administrative law judges, trial and appellate courts; assembling and evaluating evidence, and interviewing witnesses.

The Attorney is required to display superior work habits (e.g., organizational skills, accountability, and timely completion of assignments) and produce quality legal work.

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin.

Leave Program (PLP) 2025 Agreement

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Both locations are located close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.

This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The telework schedule is permitted at the operational needs of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with the State Telework Policy and the DMHC’s Telework Policy. All employees who telework are required to be California residents and maintain California residency in accordance with Government Code 14200.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY

Position Details

Working Title: Attorney

Classification: ATTORNEY

$7,969.00 - $10,473.00 A

$8,969.00 - $12,026.00 B

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Final Filing Date: 8/25/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Department Information

The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is to is to ensure health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC accomplishes its mission by ensuring the health care system works for consumers. The Department protects the health care rights of 30.2 million Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting consumers through a consumer Help Center, educating consumers on their rights and responsibilities and preserving the financial stability of the managed health care system.

DMHC values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. DMHC believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join DMHC and help us improve the lives of all Californians.

If you are interested in learning about the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) culture from the perspective of someone like yourself, contact our Someone Like Me program (please check your Spam or Junk folders for our email replies) . Within five business days of your request to participate in the Someone Like Me program, you will be matched with a DMHC employee with a similar background to discuss the DMHC’s culture. This program is not part of, or in any way affiliated with the application or hiring process. Prospective employees must complete the application process on Cal Careers (e.g., submit your application within the specified timeframes on the job posting) to be considered for hire at the DMHC. None of the information you provide through the Someone Like Me program will be relayed to the Hiring Unit.

Department Website: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

All applicants not currently employed by the DMHC will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The investigation will consist of fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records.

Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your State application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment . If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform in-house counsel work including but not limited to preparing legal opinions, analyzing legislation, preparing and reviewing correspondence, and performing litigation tasks.
• Understanding of the Administrative Branch of state government, its agencies and departments and the role of state and federal oversight agencies;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, program staff and management, and staff of other state and federal agencies while working independently and as part of a team;
• Willingness and ability to understand the Department's programs and policies in order to provide sound legal advice that is responsive to the organization’s needs;
• Superior analytical and communication skills, both verbal and written, superior interpersonal skills, and tact;
• Superior research skills and work habits and the ability to complete work under deadlines;
• Willingness and ability to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment.

Benefits

For information on benefits, please visit the Benefit Summary page on the CalHR website .

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.