Paralegal/Program Analyst (CPRA Experience)

State Bar of California; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 76,282 - 101,633; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Engaging work in a vital legal field

Job summary

A state legal organization in California is seeking a detail-oriented paralegal. The role involves coordinating public records requests, ensuring legal compliance, and working closely with the General Counsel's office. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to manage sensitive information wisely. This position offers the flexibility of up to four remote work days a week, aligning with the organization's values of clarity, respect, and excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience handling records requests under CPRA or FOIA in a government setting.
• Expertise in analyzing sensitive documents for legal compliance.
• Excellent judgment and discretion for managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and respond to records requests under CPRA.
• Draft and send responses to public records requests.
• Communicate with public records requestors to identify relevant documents.

Skills

Public Records Handling

Legal Compliance Analysis

Document Management Systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Communication Skills

Job description

Annual Salary Range for Paralegal: $76,282- $101,633

Annual Salary Range for Program Analyst: $94,819 - $126,422

FLSA Exempt for Program Analyst / FLSA Non-Exempt for Paralegal / Non-Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week

About the Office

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is in-house counsel to the State Bar, providing a full range of services, including representation of the State Bar in all state and federal courts and before administrative agencies; advocacy of State Bar discipline and admission cases in the California Supreme Court; and providing legal advice to the State Bar Board of Trustees, and all State Bar entities, executives, and programmatic clients.

OGC provides legal advice and representation in the following areas: litigation, admissions and discipline, antitrust, Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, bankruptcy, California Public Records Act, collections, contracts, copyright, governance, labor and employment, legislation, regulations and rules, real estate, regulatory work, and general corporate matters.

About the Position

The Office of General Counsel seeks a highly motivated, analytical, detail-oriented professional to join our team. This position will primarily focus on coordinating and responding to requests for records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), under the supervision of an Assistant General Counsel. Such tasks include, but not are not limited to:

• Drafting and sending responses to public records requests and ensuring compliance with the CPRA, including drafting initial responses that set out all applicable exemptions;
• Independently communicating with public records requestors to help them identify relevant documents and ensure effective interpretation of requests, as necessary;
• Working with offices within the State Bar to gather records and providing guidance and support to the offices to identify/locate responsive records;
• Independently reviewing documents and determining applicable exemptions and required redactions consistent with the CPRA and the State Bar Act;
• Researching eligible exemptions and staying abreast of changes to the CPRA and related legislation;
• Organizing records with particular attention to detail and maintaining excellent documentation of request status such that backup coverage can be provided during absences – both planned and unplanned; and
• Educating and advising staff on CPRA obligations and procedures.

The position will also handle other legal and administrative support tasks under the supervision of an OGC attorney, including, but not limited to:

• Assisting with subpoena and discovery compliance, including reviewing requests, gathering responsive documents, coordinating with internal departments, drafting responses and tracking deadlines;
• Providing support for responding to government claims, including preparation of response letters and tracking deadlines;
• Conducting document review, analysis, and organization for litigation, audits, investigations, or other regulatory matters;
• Assisting with contract management, including drafting standard terms, tracking contract status, and maintaining files;
• Providing litigation support as needed including case management and litigation tracking; and
• Providing general support on projects or other assignments as assigned or directed by OGC attorneys, including involving the knowledge, interpretation, and application of State Bar policies, rules, regulations, and procedures;
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job.

The ideal candidate has prior experience handling records requests (either under the CPRA or the Freedom of Information Act) in a government setting and a solid understanding of public record laws. They are highly skilled at managing competing priorities, analyzing sensitive documents for legal compliance, and communicating effectively within the organization and to members of the public. Candidates must possess excellent judgment and discretion, be able to work independently, identify legally sensitive information, apply exemption criteria, and produce clear and accurate written responses. They must also be technologically adept, capable of navigating Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems and tracking tools to maintain accurate records and ensure timely responses.

The right candidate will also embody the State Bar's core values, particularly growth mindset, clarity, respect, and excellence. Additionally, they should align with the State Bar's mission, strategic plan, and goals of the office.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.