Attorney III

California Department of Managed Health Care; California; Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Managed Health Care seeks an Attorney III to handle high‑level litigation and civil/administrative matters under the Knox‑Keene Act. The attorney will investigate, prosecute, and defend complex cases at trial and appellate levels, provide legal advice to DMHC management, and lead junior staff in litigation strategy.

The role requires independent judgment, policy analysis of proposed legislation, and the ability to negotiate, prepare cases and legal documents.

Qualifications

• Investigation and representation at administrative and court hearings.
• Legal research and giving opinions to management.
• Prepare cases, briefs, memoranda and legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and represent DMHC at hearings and courts.
• Perform legal research and provide opinions to DMHC management.
• Respond to difficult legal correspondence and develop litigation strategy.
• Take sworn statements and assemble evidence for complex disputes.
• Travel as required and work with staff led by senior counsel.

Skills

Investigation

Litigation

Legal research

Policy analysis

Legal writing

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 DMHC, representing the DMHC in actions to enforce managed health care laws. A successful candidate will be responsible for performing sensitive and complex litigation work 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 Attorney III classification is distinguished from the Attorney classification by the expertise and experience required to perform the duties of an Attorney III. The incumbent will be involved in investigating, prosecuting, and defending civil and administrative cases at the trial and appellate levels involving matters of the highest degree of difficulty and sensitivity.

Assignments typically consist of: conducting investigation and representing the DMHC at administrative and court hearings; conducting legal research and providing legal advice and opinions to DMHC management and executive; responding to difficult legal correspondence; and developing strategy and tactics in the most complex disputes and litigation. The Attorney III interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities, provides advice or opinions to Departmental management on legal issues arising out investigations, and may appear in all California courts.

The Attorney III should be able to: provide policy analysis of proposed legislation; conduct negotiations, prepare cases, opinions, briefs, and other legal documents, such as memoranda and reports; prepare discovery documents; prepare cases which may result in litigation before administrative law judges and civil trial or appellate courts; assemble and evaluate evidence; and take sworn statements.

The Attorney III is required to take substantial initiative, exercise a considerable amount of discretion, display superior work habits (e.g., organizational skills, accountability, timely completion of assignments), work independently, and produce the highest quantity and quality of legal work. The Attorney III serves as lead counsel with less experienced staff in litigation.

The Attorney III will be assigned increasingly difficult work, and need less direct supervision, as experience is gained in the respective classification at the Office of Enforcement. The following core essential functions of the Attorney series do not vary with experience:

• Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. (Proportionately less for part time positions.) When necessary, work in excess of 40 hours per week is expected to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Routinely exercise independent, professional judgment, and accept supervision as directed or ordered.
• Travel to all parts of the State and the United States as required. Travel may involve one or more overnight stays, as required.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally in person, through the use of documents and electronic devices.
• Handle multiple tasks, significant caseload, and effectively prioritize work.
• Perform research and analysis and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.

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.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-525622

Position #(s): 409-411-5795-XXX

Working Title: Attorney III

Classification: ATTORNEY III

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A

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

Department Information

The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) 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 members. The Department protects the health care rights of Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting members through a member Help Center, educating members 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.

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.

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact:

Megan Lee

[phone]

[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:

Alejandro Camilo

[phone]

[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

EEO Office

[phone]

[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.