ATTORNEY III

About the role

The Attorney III performs complex and sensitive legal work in the Legal Affairs Division under the general direction of the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels. Responsibilities include probate conservatorships, personnel matters, statutory and regulatory interpretation, programmatic legal advice, administrative appeals, transactional matters (housing and contract issues), criminal placement proceedings, civil and administrative litigation, and legislative analysis. The position requires moderate to frequent travel and the ability to interact independently, professionally, and courteously with Department managers and staff while managing multiple tasks with stringent deadlines. The Attorney III may assist an Attorney IV with more complex legal matters and must consistently perform outstanding legal work.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in proceedings before courts and administrative bodies statewide.
• Handle probate conservatorships, personnel matters, and statutory/regulatory interpretation.
• Provide programmatic legal advice and manage administrative appeals.
• Address transactional matters, including housing and contract issues.
• Participate in criminal placement proceedings and civil/administrative litigation.
• Conduct legislative analysis and maintain case files for assigned matters.
• Submit updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels.
• Prioritize workloads and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Transport legal files and documents (up to 20 lbs. per box) to hearings and meetings.
• Comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct at all times.

Requirements

• Lawful authorization to work in the United States (Department does not sponsor employment visas).
• Residency in the State of California at the time of appointment (per California Government Code requirements).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Adobe, and other computer tools used by the Legal Affairs Division.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Moderate to frequent statewide travel, including occasional overnight trips.
• Maintain normal work hours (averaging 40 hours per week) with availability during core hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Availability by phone if unavailable during core working hours.
• Maintain individual and master Outlook calendars and obtain supervisory approval for absences exceeding 90 minutes.
• Availability for coverage as the Attorney of the Week (AOW) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or arrange alternate coverage.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s). Desirable qualifications include:

• Knowledge of timely case management, including opening/closing cases and maintaining files.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize workloads effectively.
• Experience with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw) and office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook).

Pay

Starting salary for Attorney III: $12,046 per month (effective July 1, 2025, subject to a 4.62% salary reduction in exchange for eight hours of Personal Leave per month).

Salary ranges:

• Attorney III: $10,852.00 – $15,325.00 per month.
• Attorney (Range A): $8,846.00 – $10,473.00 per month.
• Attorney (Range B): $9,956.00 – $12,026.00 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, permanent position (40 hours per week average).
• Work in excess of 40 hours may be required to meet deadlines.
• Hybrid in-office/telework position (subject to change; incumbent may be required to report to the office or designated location at any time).
• Core working hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with availability expected during these hours unless on official state business.

Benefits

State employees and their families have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement benefits through CalPERS.
• Additional benefits may apply based on job classification, bargaining unit, and time base.

For more details, visit the CalHR Benefits Website and CalPERS Health Benefit Summary.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid in-office/telework position (telework agreements may be modified or cancelled at any time).
• Office located in a modern, multi-story building in downtown Sacramento with amenities such as a café, fitness center, and lactation rooms.
• Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel required.
• Physical requirements include transporting legal files and documents (file boxes may weigh up to 20 lbs. each).

Special Requirements

• Submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in 12-point Arial font, single-spaced, and one page in length addressing: Why are you the best candidate to fill this position with the Department of Developmental Services?
• Applicants failing to submit the SOQ may not be considered.