Deputy General Counsel

State of California; California; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid holidays

401(k) and 457(b) Plans

Employee Assistance Program

Commute Program

Job summary

The State of California is looking for an Attorney III at the California Department of Education. This role involves complex litigation in state and federal courts, advising on education laws and regulations, and drafting legislation. Candidates should have a Juris Doctor degree and a strong interest in public education law. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, paid holidays, and retirement plans. Join us in this rewarding opportunity to make an impact on California's education system.

Qualifications

• Expertise in complex legal issues related to education law.
• Strong background in litigation and research.
• Ability to draft and analyze legislative proposals.

Responsibilities

• Represent the CDE and other educational bodies in litigation.
• Research and prepare legal guidance for educational programs.
• Assist in drafting and interpreting laws and regulations.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Drafting legislation

Advising on regulations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Have you ever considered a legal career at the California Department of Education? Your work benefits kids! Attorney III is an expert in the most complex and sensitive legal work related to laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to TK-12 education programs. Our lawyers are often involved in cutting‑edge litigation on constitutional issues that often impact all state education agencies throughout the country. It is an exciting and rewarding time to be in the world of education law! We offer a wide range of opportunities and assignments that require diverse legal skills in order to help improve California’s education system.

Specific duties vary depending on current needs, but may include:

• Representing the CDE, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) in litigation in federal and state courts by handling all facets of complex litigation ranging from motions and discovery through trial and on through the appellate courts.
• Researching and preparing guidance, memoranda or opinions to advise the operation of specialized programs, such as Special Education, Nutrition, After School, Transitional Kindergarten, English Learners, Charter Schools, Curriculum Frameworks, the State Special Schools for the Deaf and Blind, etc.
• Helping draft and analyze sponsored or proposed legislation, advising program staff on interpreting existing laws, and assisting with the drafting of regulations to implement new programs and/or respond to changes to the law.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.

Per CCR 249.3, this recruitment may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this job posting.

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

Benefits

• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Program

More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY III
• ATTORNEY

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:

• Interest in becoming a member of a fast‑paced office involved with very challenging issues at the forefront of state and national K‑12 public education law.
• A background in education‑related law, civil rights law or litigation is desirable, but not required.