Lead Senior Counsel

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 13,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Flexible work hours

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Loan forgiveness under PSLF

Job summary

CalSTRS, the California State Teachers' Retirement System, seeks an Attorney V to lead complex litigation and provide strategic legal counsel within the Office of the General Counsel. The role focuses on high-stakes matters across multiple units and requires exemplary communication and leadership.

The Senior Counsel will draft advisory opinions, supervise outside counsel, and represent CalSTRS in hearings, appeals, and litigation, contributing to policy and program goals.

Qualifications

• Active membership with the California State Bar.

Responsibilities

• Lead the most complex litigation and provide strategic legal recommendations for CalSTRS activities.
• Litigate in administrative hearings, writ proceedings, and general litigation; draft advisory opinions and other legal documents.
• Oversee work of outside counsel and coordinate with attorneys and staff across multiple units.

Job description

This position qualifies for a 'Hire Above Minimum' (HAM) Salary. The starting salary will be $14,051.

This position requires an active membership with the California State Bar.

Are you an attorney interested in public service? Are you eager to grow and develop as part of a diverse and experienced team of attorneys? If so, the California State Teachers' Retirement System Office of the General Counsel is currently accepting applications for an Attorney V. Join a team that takes pride in developing expert attorneys who are committed to securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California’s educators.

Under the direction of the Teachers' Retirement Board and the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Office of the General Counsel provides advice on legal issues as they affect the overall programs and policies of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), manages CalSTRS legal program, and represents the System in litigation, appeals, and other legal matters. The Office of the General Counsel is comprised of multiple highly visible and complex business areas: Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability (OLEA), Enterprise Information Management & Legal Operations, Information Security Office, Legal Services, Investment Counsel, and Litigation Services.

The Litigation Services Unit is comprised of a team of litigators and support staff, and is responsible for representing CalSTRS in administrative hearings, writ proceedings, general litigation and other legal proceedings. The Litigation Services Unit also works in conjunction with outside counsel on a variety of transactional and litigation matters.

Under the direction of the Assistant General Counsel and the general direction of the General Counsel and/or Deputy General Counsel, the Attorney V is considered the lead Senior Counsel and is responsible for performing the most complex and most difficult litigation and legal services in connection with various CalSTRS activities. The Senior Counsel does not supervise lower-level attorneys and staff but may act in a lead capacity over the work of other attorneys and staff. The incumbent is expected to litigate in the most complex and difficult areas of the Teachers’ Retirement Law and represent CalSTRS in administrative hearings, general litigation and other legal proceedings; draft advisory opinions and other legal opinions and documents; and oversee the work of outside counsel.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Ability to perform the most complex litigation and legal services and provide innovative recommendations and solutions.
• Experience conducting administrative hearings, trials, and other legal and evidentiary proceedings.
• Ability to maintain open and effective communications with supervisors, keep them informed, and invite response and feedback for professional growth.
• Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen positive working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstration of strong organizational skills, ability to multiple competing priorities, and identifying important issues for timely escalation.
• Experience working with and presenting to board members, executive staff, and other senior leadership.
• Experience leading or mentoring the work of attorneys and legal staff.

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. 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 for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

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

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all itsemployees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
• More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
• More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
• Health insurance in retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY V