ATTORNEY IV

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California, Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is seeking an experienced Attorney IV for the Office of Enforcement to handle sensitive and complex litigation involving health care service plans, including trial and appellate work.

The role requires California Bar membership, leadership of litigation teams, and collaboration with DMHC programs. This 12-month limited term position offers hybrid telework, with possible extension or permanence depending on needs.

Qualifications

• Membership in the State Bar of California.
• Experience performing high-level government litigation and advising management.
• Ability to lead litigation teams and manage complex civil and administrative cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct all stages of litigation and provide legal opinions.
• Render advice to Department management and respond to complex correspondence.
• Develop strategy and tactics for the most difficult disputes and appear in California courts.
• Serve as lead counsel over less experienced staff and collaborate with other programs.

Job description

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

The Office of Enforcement at the Department of Managed Health Care handles the litigation needs of the Department, representing the Department in actions to enforce the managed health care laws. The Office of Enforcement has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, motivated, committed litigator. 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)).

This position is distinguished from other Attorney positions by the expertise and experience required to perform the duties of an Attorney IV. The incumbent will be involved in prosecuting and defending civil and administrative cases at the trial and appellate levels involving matters of the highest degree of difficulty.

An Attorney IV 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, the ability to effectively conduct all stages of litigation, and conduct legal research and analysis; rendering legal advice and opinions to Department management; responding to difficult legal correspondence; and developing strategy and tactics in the most complex disputes or litigation. In addition, the Attorney IV interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities; provides advice or opinions to Department management on legal issues arising out of investigations and litigation; and appears in all courts of California.

The Attorney IV 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 IV will serve as lead counsel over less experienced staff in litigation, and regularly communicate and collaborate with other programs within the Department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION: Membership in the State Bar of California.

This position is Limited Term (12 months); it may become permanent, be extended, or be cancelled at any time .

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 IV

ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location:

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - 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 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.

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.

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

Anyone who is 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.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform high-level legal work in a governmental setting, including but not limited to preparing legal opinions, analyzing legislation, preparing and reviewing correspondence, and engaging in successful administrative and civil litigation;
• Understanding of the Executive 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, staff of other state and federal agencies while working independently and as part of a team;
• Willing and able to understand the Department 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, including the demonstrated ability to manage a large caseload;
• Willingness and ability to maintain a work environment free from discrimination or sexual harassment

It is expected that the Attorney IV will be assigned increasingly more 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.) Work in excess of 40 hours per week is expected, when necessary, 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 and significant caseload, and effectively prioritize work.
• Perform research and analysis and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.

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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

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

Human Resources Contact:
DMHC Recruitment
[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.