Attorney IV (Complex Litigation)

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California seeks an Attorney IV to lead complex and sensitive state and federal litigation, serving as a subject‑matter expert on the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and related laws. The role includes mentoring other attorneys, coordinating with outside counsel, and framing issues for courts to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing discovery burdens. The position offers standard state benefits and a structured work schedule.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of conducting legal research and preparing all products.
• Ability to interact independently with executive staff and program managers under tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode and other legal tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead over complex and sensitive state and federal litigation.
• Mentor and train other Department attorneys in litigation matters.
• Liaise with outside counsel and navigate cases through the judicial process.
• Advise Department executives on management of complex cases.

Skills

Legal research

Case management

Written communication

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Westlaw

Adobe

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Westlaw

Abode

Job description

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY IV

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

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.