Attorney IV/III - Audits

The California State Auditor’s Office is the independent oversight arm of the California State Legislature and the custodian of California’s Whistleblower Hotline. Our mission is to provide objective evaluations and effective solutions that enhance the transparency, accountability, and performance of California government for the people it serves. We produce unbiased, nonpartisan reports with recommendations to solve some of the state’s toughest problems. We strive to create a workplace that celebrates the contributions and talents of our team, embraces diverse perspectives, and fosters an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired in their commitment to public service.

About the role

The attorneys at the California State Auditor's Office support the State Auditor in an independent, non-partisan capacity, advising on laws applicable to government agencies and programs in California, including those governing the State Auditor's Office. You will work independently or in teams to provide formal and informal oral and written legal advice on a variety of issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct highly critical and time-sensitive preliminary legal research and analysis to support the State Auditor’s Office audit analyses prior to Legislative approval of a performance audit request.
• Upon approval of performance audits or commencement of other audits:
  • Gather and analyze relevant laws, judicial precedents, proposed legislation, administrative decisions, and other legal authorities.
  • Interpret and apply those laws to particular regulatory programs or legal issues identified as part of the audit.
  • Communicate the results of research and analysis verbally and in writing to management and others within the State Auditor’s Office.
• Review audit reports and related correspondence for legal content and consistency, including developing and reviewing audit recommendations involving legal compliance or changes in law.
• Perform legislative research and provide legal advice on pending legislation that may impact the State Auditor’s Office; determine the content and impact of proposed laws and regulations on the office’s operations, rights, duties, and authority; summarize and report findings.
• Draft and interpret laws and regulations; draft and review legal documents, including subpoenas, court documents, and contracts.
• Represent the State Auditor’s Office in legal matters; conduct depositions and represent or assist other counsel in litigation on behalf of or in defense of the State Auditor’s Office.
• Provide legal advice on a broad range of issues, including compliance with laws related to state and local government, conflicts of interest, public meetings and records access, public contracting, and confidentiality.
• Provide information and briefings to Members of the Legislature, legislative staff, and other stakeholders as requested by office management.

Requirements

• Experience reviewing and analyzing complex and sensitive issues concerning a wide variety of legal issues.
• Experience working with the Legislature, other state agencies, and high-level Executive or Judicial Branch staff.
• Experience providing advice to and representing high-ranking state officials on a broad range of legal issues.
• Litigation experience.
• Experience drafting legal documents including statutes, regulations, contracts, procurement documents, and pleadings.
• Familiarity with auditing and/or project management standards and principles.
• Proven ability to handle large and varied assignments involving a wide range and frequently changing subject matters.
• Experience working well under pressure and thriving in such an environment.
• Ability to adapt easily to changing situations and assignments.
• History of working cooperatively and dealing effectively with others.
• Ability to work on several concurrent projects with different groups, each on a predetermined timeline.
• Familiarity with the laws generally applicable to state and local government.

Benefits

This position offers a monthly salary range of $12,046 - $16,096 with a 5% pay differential as well as a longevity bonus.

Schedule

• Eligible for participation in the office’s hybrid telework program; work at the alternate location must be in California and conducted in a private, ergonomically sound, distraction-free space with safe working conditions.
• Work performed in the office is in an air-conditioned high-rise building with elevator access and both natural and artificial lighting.
• May require sitting for extended periods using a personal computer and standard office equipment.
• May require periodic non-standard work hours, weekends, occasional travel, working away from headquarters, and/or long and irregular work hours to meet workload demands.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.