Attorney Supervisor

OD Legal serves as the general counsel’s office for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), providing legal advice and representation to the DIR Director, department leadership, and division chiefs in their statutory functions.

About the role

Under the direction of the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels, the Attorney Supervisor reviews the work of a team of OD Legal attorneys representing the DIR Director, the Department, and division chiefs and managers in labor and employment matters. The role provides direct managerial support and oversight to improve workflow coordination, mitigate errors, and promptly report sensitive matters to leadership.

The Attorney Supervisor plans, directs, coordinates, evaluates, and supervises a group of staff attorneys, handling the most complex litigation and policy-related matters. The position requires occasional short-duration travel (one to two days). Multiple locations and positions are available.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide legal unit attorneys in multiple substantive areas of law, including:
  • California public works law (prevailing wages, apprenticeship)
  • Workers’ compensation law (self-insured employers)
  • Employment law (Government Code, Title VII, FEHA, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment, Unemployment Insurance Code, Labor Code) related to Department personnel matters
  • California Public Records Act, privacy laws, and other state or federal laws imposing obligations on the Department
• Provide oversight to ensure efficient workflow, error mitigation, and timely reporting of sensitive matters.
• Handle complex litigation and policy-related matters.

Requirements

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• At least eight years of legal experience post-bar admission, with either:
  • Two years at a level equivalent to an Attorney IV or Supervising Attorney, or
  • Three years at a level equivalent to an Attorney III.
• Ability to travel occasionally for short durations (one to two days).

Application materials

• Completed State standard application form (STD 678).
• Resume.
• Cover letter addressing work experience (including supervisory experience) and interest in the position.
• Recent legal writing sample of your own work product.

Working conditions

• Location: 1515 Clay Street, Suite 701, Oakland, CA 94612.
• Office environment with assigned workspace and extensive computer use for drafting documents, research, email, and file review.
• Standard business hours: Monday through Friday, with occasional longer hours as needed.
• Flexible work schedule determined post-hire in consultation with the Chief Counsel.
• Eligibility for telework with in-person attendance based on operational needs.

Applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. To gain employment list eligibility, visit the exam bulletin.