Deputy/Associate General Counsel (California)

Deputy/Associate General Counsel

Position Type: Full time

Supervisor: General Counsel

Job Purpose: Providing legal services and advice on a range of legal matters.

Location: Remote, various locations throughout California.

Salary Range: Beginning salary $151,714.85 - $167,293.97; full salary schedule $151,714.85 - $193,713.06.

Position Overview

Under the supervision and direction of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel will provide legal services and advice on a range of legal matters pertaining to the operation of Calbright College, including drafting and reviewing contracts, researching and analyzing statutes, regulations, and relevant case law, advising departments and/or divisions within the College, and developing and implementing policies and procedures to support the operations of the General Counsel’s office and the rest of the College. The role supports the work of the General Counsel and is responsible for completing complex and sensitive assignments that have a College-wide impact.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the General Counsel with responding to legal issues or needs of departments, the Executive Team, and the College Board of Trustees.
• Assists with the administration of the College's legal affairs, including handling civil litigation, administrative hearings, contract review and drafting, drafting policies and procedures, and completing assignments.
• Assists policy makers by drafting new and amended policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure legal format, intent, and compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws.
• Attends meetings of the Calbright Board of Trustees in the General Counsel’s absence and as otherwise required.
• Provides legal counsel to College officials, including employees and the Executive Team, to prevent and minimize legal exposure to the College in areas such as labor/employment, public contracting and procurement, student conduct, data privacy, public sector ethics, open meeting laws, public records, and other higher education policies and practices.
• Receives, reviews, logs, processes, and monitors evidentiary and document requests issued to the College, including subpoenas, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions, California Public Records Act (CPRA) requests, and deposition notices.
• Represents the College in mediation, arbitration, administrative hearings, and judicial proceedings, as needed.
• Prepares, drafts, and reviews a variety of complex legal documents, including contracts, agreements, Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, and resolutions.
• Presents items to the Board of Trustees for approval or other action such as contracts, Board Policies, and resolutions.
• Assists with risk management, including managing the investigation, evaluation, and resolution of complex legal disputes including regulatory, governmental, and highly sensitive matters, both litigated and non‑litigated.
• Assists with property acquisition (purchase or lease) and facilities planning and development, including managing construction claims and related legal disputes.
• Assists with drafting and distributing all appropriate legal communication for Calbright College.
• Provides guidance and assistance in areas of diversity, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Equal Opportunity Employment, sexual harassment, gender and sexual orientation sensitivity, discrimination, retaliation, and other human resources compliance issues in coordination with the General Counsel and Human Resources Department.
• Assists the Human Resources Department with personnel investigations, employee relations matters, and recruitment and screening processes for new hires and promotions to maintain compliance with the District's diversity, equity, and compliance programs.
• Attends and/or coordinates attendance of required parties at administrative hearings, settlement conferences, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations in connection with open claims and litigations.
• Monitors industrial and non‑industrial interactive process outcomes with Human Resources and the General Counsel.
• Partners with the General Counsel to conduct in‑service training programs and workshops on legal issues, legislation, court decisions, and trends as needed.
• Works on special projects in response to needs as assigned by the General Counsel.
• Attends in‑person meetings, events, and other convenings as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Works independently with minimal supervision to organize and prioritize legal tasks.
• Applies legal record or file management practices and requirements.
• Utilizes litigation and best‑practice strategies to protect and advance the interests of Calbright College.
• Demonstrates professional and tactful negotiation and persuasion skills to achieve objectives within legal and non‑legal audiences.
• Communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders across the California Community College System.
• Applies problem‑solving techniques and analytical principles to offer counsel and advice on legal and policy matters.
• Operates modern office equipment, practices, and software.
• Shows sensitivity and respect for the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, as well as disabilities and sexual orientation of community college students, staff, and faculty.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant legal ideas, research, and practices through ongoing study and professional organization participation.
• Maintains confidentiality of communications, records, and reports.
• Supports the College’s General Counsel’s Office through various duties.
• Adapts to the College’s operations, policies, and objectives.
• Meets schedules, timelines, and deadlines.
• Communicates complex legal issues and matters effectively, orally and in writing, establishing cooperative relationships.
• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets complex legal information to facilitate decision‑making.
• Works cooperatively with Calbright College departments and the public.
• Investigates and assesses litigation and legal issues and offers sound advice.
• Provides input relative to the performance of outside counsel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law.
• At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional legal experience, including at least two (2) years in California in law applicable to a public agency or higher education institution.
• Good standing with the State Bar of California and current license to practice law in California.
• Experience working with California Community College Districts is highly desired.

Working Conditions and Travel

• Calbright College is a statewide online college. Employees may be required to travel to in‑person meetings, trainings, or conferences; travel mileage and expenses are reimbursed per policy.
• Regular attendance is essential; inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude continued employment.
• The holder of this position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with related policies and Title IX.
• Travel and work may involve occasional travel within a certain distance of the employee’s primary remote location or to the Sacramento administrative office.
• Remote work requires reliable digital communication tools and ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Requires the ability to function in a remote online instructional environment; ability to use hearing and speech for presentations, conversations, and distinguish sound prompts; near visual acuity and dexterity for computer use; ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Work is performed indoors with minimal safety concerns.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Calbright College provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Calbright College complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.