Senior Staff Counsel

Job Overview

Under general direction of the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels, the Attorney III performs complex and sensitive legal work in the Legal Affairs Division, including, but not limited to probate conservatorships, personnel matters, statutory and regulatory interpretation, programmatic legal advice, administrative appeals, transactional matters, including housing and contract issues, criminal placement proceedings, civil and administrative litigation matters, and legislative analysis.

The Attorney III represents the Department in proceedings before courts and administrative bodies throughout the state. The Attorney III must possess the ability to interact independently, professionally, and courteously with Department managers and staff while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines. The position requires moderate to frequent travel. The Attorney III may be asked to assist an Attorney IV with more complex and sensitive legal matters.

The Attorney III must consistently perform outstanding legal work.

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

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $12,046 for the Attorney III classification.

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $8,846 for the Attorney classification.

This position is eligible for geographic retention pay differential of $250.00 per month.

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.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY III
• ATTORNEY

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:

While the Attorney III will perform increasingly difficult assignments, the incumbent must be able to adhere to the following job requirements, which do not vary based upon experience:
Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. 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 or teleworking and available to clients between the core working hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless official state business requires them to be elsewhere.

If unavailable 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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or arrange for alternate coverage from another Department attorney.

Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel is required. Travel will sometimes require the transportation of legal files and documents in file boxes that may weigh up to 20 lbs. Multiple boxes may be required in some circumstances.

Communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, using documents and electronic devices. Attorneys must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs, or systems utilized by the Legal Affairs Division.

Work on a Department issued personal computer and keyboard up to 85% of the time to conduct legal research and to prepare all written product. Must be able to timely open and close assigned cases and maintain case files on all assigned matters and submit updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels. Additionally, be able to handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize workloads.

The incumbent must maintain active membership in the California State Bar and comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct at all times.