Health, Education & Welfare Deputy Attorney General IV

Job Description and Duties

The Health, Education & Welfare Section (HEW) actively recruits highly qualified attorneys to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, where they frequently handle high-profile and impactful legal matters while serving the public interest. Attorneys provide legal advice and representation to the Governor, Attorney General, and Directors of over 30 state agencies, including the Departments of Health Care Services, Public Health, State Hospitals, Social Services, and Education. HEW’s litigation includes constitutional law and statutory interpretation; actions for declaratory and injunctive relief; writ petitions; and civil complaints challenging state laws, regulations, and agency decisions. Representation includes appearances in state and federal courts.

This position offers the opportunity to litigate novel and consequential cases—including First Amendment and Due Process challenges to state education and health policies, and cutting-edge disputes under federal statutes such as Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. HEW attorneys are currently defending and prosecuting major federal actions involving the intersection of civil rights, education law, and federal spending power, including matters that have drawn national attention and gone to the highest levels of the federal courts.

If you have superior research and writing skills, and can handle complex legal arguments across multiple matters, this section offers an unparalleled opportunity to do meaningful, precedent-setting work on behalf of the State of California and the millions of people it serves.

Working Conditions

All applicants must reside in California and be members in good standing of the California State Bar. This is a hybrid position with the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, with two-to-three in-person days required each month. Travel and in-person attendance may be required for trials, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, and operationally as needed.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Special Requirements

A fingerprint check will be required. Must be willing and able to work a full-time schedule which may exceed a 40 hour week when operational needs require. Deputies must be active members of the California State Bar. Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-522357) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your STD 678 State Application.

Desirable Qualifications

• Very strong research and writing skills.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
• Litigation experience in federal and state courts.
• The highest level of independent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Enthusiasm for the legal subjects routinely handled by HEW.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and with all levels of staff.
• Ability to take direction from senior management.
• Ability to maintain good client relations.
• Ability to be a creative and resourceful problem solver.
• Interest in handling complex, high-profile cases of statewide importance.
• Computer literacy and research skills required.