ATTORNEY IV

California Department of Developmental Services; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Developmental Services in California seeks an Attorney IV (Complex Litigation) to lead and manage high-stakes state and federal litigation, serving as a subject matter expert on the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, and coordinating with outside counsel to position arguments for favorable outcomes.

The role requires strong independent judgment, mentoring of staff, and in-office/telework flexibility as the Department adopts hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of conducting legal research and preparing all products, Timely open and close assigned cases and maintain case files on all assigned matters.
• Ability to interact independently, professionally, and courteously with departmental Executive team and multiple program managers while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Adobe, and all other computer tools, programs, or systems utilized by the Office of Legal Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead over complex and sensitive state and federal litigation against the Department, including mentoring and training other Department attorneys.
• Serve as subject matter expert on the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and liaise with outside counsel.
• Frame issues for courts and juries to achieve favorable outcomes in cases.
• Advise Department Executive Staff on management of complex cases and discovery burdens.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation strategy

Mentoring

Liaison with outside counsel

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Westlaw

Adobe

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Under the direction of the Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsels, and using broad discretion in working independently, the Attorney IV will handle and serve as the lead over complex and sensitive state and federal litigation against the Department of Developmental Services (Department), including mentoring and training other Department attorneys in litigation matters. The Attorney IV will serve as the subject matter expert on the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and other laws applicable to or impacting individuals with developmental disabilities to effectively liaison with the outside counsel and navigate cases through the judicial process. Working with outside counsel, the Attorney IV’s combined litigation and subject matter expertise will be used to frame issues for the courts and juries to achieve the most favorable outcomes in cases. The Attorney IV will advise Department Executive Staff on management of complex cases while minimizing the burdens of discovery and other litigation responsibilities for the staff. The Attorney IV will handle, manage, and serve as lead trial counsel on the more complex administrative and regulatory matters the Department will face.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of 4.62 percent in exchange for eight hours per month of the Personal Leave.

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $13,313.00 for the Attorney IV classification.

Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week (proportionally less for part time positions). Work in excess of 40 hours is expected when necessary to complete assignments in a timely manner. Attorneys are expected to be in the office and available to clients between the core working hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless official state business requires them to be elsewhere. If outside of the office during core working hours, attorneys must be available by phone. Attorneys are required to maintain individual and master Outlook calendars, and obtain supervisory approval for time spent away from the office that exceeds ninety (90) minutes. Attorneys acting as the AOW must be available in the office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or arrange for alternative coverage from another Department attorney.

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

Working Conditions

Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel may be required. Transport legal files and documents, as needed, to locations inside and outside the normal worksite for hearings and meetings. File boxes of documents may weigh up to 50 lbs. each and a file may constitute more than one box.

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-531094
• Position #(s): 472-543-5780-006
• Working Title: Attorney IV (Complex Litigation)
• Classification: ATTORNEY IV
• Salary: $11,993.00 - $16,096.00; Entrance salary rate: $13,313.00 for the Attorney IV classification
• # of Positions: 1
• Work Location: United States
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Facility: Department of Developmental Services
• Department Information: The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

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.

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of: Conducting legal research and preparing all products, Timely open and close assigned cases and maintain case files on all assigned matters. Submit updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels.

Ability to: Interact independently, professionally, and courteously with departmental Executive team and multiple program managers while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines; communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, through the use of documents and electronic devices; proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs, or systems utilized by the Office of Legal Affairs, handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize workloads.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

• Benefit Eligibility May Be Based On Job Classification, Bargaining Unit, Time Base And Length Of Appointment. Additional Benefits May Also Be Outlined For Specific Bargaining Units In Employee Collective Bargaining Contracts. For More Information, Please Visit The Links Below:
• State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website
• CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026
• Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

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

Human Resources Contact

Altanzul Urjinkhuu

[phone]

[e-mail]

EEO Contact

Equal Employment Opportunity 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.

Additional Information

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: www.calhr.ca.gov .

If you have not taken the Attorney IV exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

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.