Staff Counsel

About the Role

The Office of the Director, Legal Unit (OD Legal) serves as the general counsel's office for DIR and provides advice and representation to the DIR Director, department leadership, and division chiefs in the performance of their statutory functions. Under the direction of the Chief Counsel and the Assistant Chief Counsels, Attorney IIIs represents the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, the Department, and division chiefs and managers in a variety of subject areas within the responsibility and jurisdiction of the Department, which are broadly in the labor and employment area.

Responsibilities

• Representing the Director of DIR in a special type of workers' compensation cases involving trust funds administered by the Director (SIBTF, UEBTF and DWD)
• Representing the Department in internal DIR personnel and labor and employment matters
• Providing legal advice and representation in public works, prevailing wages, Public Records Act, public contracting, privacy, litigation, and other matters concerning a wide variety of legal issues that may arise in the operation of the Department
• Analyzing pending legislation
• Drafting and/or commenting on proposed regulations
• Serving as primary and/or in-house counsel in civil litigation
• Drafting legal briefs, memorandums, and correspondence on a regular basis
• Appearing in workers' compensation administrative proceedings
• Appearing in other civil and administrative court proceedings, as assigned
• Communicating in a professional, respectful and productive manner with opposing counsel, clients, stakeholders, colleagues, and the public

Requirements

• Active membership in the California State Bar
• At least five years of legal experience in the practice of law following admission to the bar

Qualifications

• Ability to work with a high level of independence, while also receiving support and supervision from OD Legal Assistant Chief Counsels and the Chief Counsel
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing as required for the specific job duties
• Ability to travel for a short duration (one to two days)

Working Conditions

This position is located at 160 Promenade Circle, Suite 330, Sacramento, CA 95834. Employees work in an office environment, have assigned offices and work at desks, and are required to work extensively on computers as necessary for the drafting of correspondence, briefs and other documents, and for research, email communication, file review, training and other purposes. This position may be eligible for some amount of telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

Schedule

Usual business hours are Monday through Friday. Employees are expected to work all hours as necessary to accomplish their assignments. Although they will generally average a 40-hour week, longer work hours may occasionally be required. There is some flexibility as to the specific work schedule, which will be determined after hire in consultation with the Chief Counsel.

Application Requirements

To apply for this position, please submit: The State standard application form, completed completely and carefully; a resume; a cover letter that addresses your work experience and your interest in the position; and a recent legal writing sample of your own work product.

Final Filing Date: 8/6/2026