Assistant Chief Counsel

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Assistant Deputy Director, Legal Affairs Division, the Assistant Chief Counsel oversees day-to-day operations of the Legal Division, including supervising and supporting a team of attorneys, managing their workload, and interacting with and advising the Department and its boards, bureaus and programs in various settings.

Please refer to the duty statement for specific duties.

Licensing requirement: Incumbent must maintain active membership in the California State Bar and be a member in good standing.

In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.

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CalCareers Exams: Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

The incumbent works in an office setting in the Legal Affairs Division suite, with artificial light and temperature control.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25, which required executive departments to adopt a default minimum telework policy of four in-person days per week.

Special Requirements

Conflict of Interest: This position is subject to Title 16, section 3830 of the California Code of Regulations, the Department of Consumer Affairs' Conflict of Interest Regulations. The incumbent is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1, and within 30 days of leaving office.

Criminal Offender Record Information: Title 11, section 703 (d) of the California Code of Regulations requires criminal record checks of all personnel who have access to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). Pursuant to this requirement, applicants for this position will be required to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice and be cleared before hiring. In accordance to DCA's (CORI) procedures, clearance shall be maintained while employed in a CORI-designated position. Additionally, the position routinely works with sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of documents and topics pertaining to individuals or to sensitive program materials at all times.

The position requires a state BAR Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

1. Exceptional leadership skills, project management skills, and flexibility.

2. Management and/or supervisory experience, preferably including the supervision of attorneys.

3. Demonstrated ability to advise a public regulatory entity and to develop subject matter expertise in a variety of complex subjects. 

4. Administrative licensing/discipline experience.

5. Experience in litigation, including making court appearances, preparing briefs and responding to discovery. 

6. Experience drafting, reviewing and/or interpreting rules, regulations and proposed legislation. 

7. Demonstrated ability to analyze legal principles and precedents, apply them to complex legal and administrative problems, and recommend and/or implement an effective course of action. 

8. Demonstrated ability to work in politically sensitive or high profile areas while dealing effectively with others, including outside stakeholders, under significant pressure and short time frames, while exercising diplomacy and sound judgment.

9. Knowledge of the structure and operations of DCA, including the Legal Affairs Division, and its functions and programs.

10. Knowledge and experience providing legal advice to employers or employees related to personnel, worker’s compensation, and/or reasonable accommodation matters.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Plenty of free parking, a comfortable work environment, and close to shopping, restaurants, and freeways.

Statement of Qualifications

• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) - Interested candidates must submit a response to the following statement. The response must be no more than two type-written pages in length, using 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch page margins. Applications received without a Statement of Qualifications will not be considered. The SOQ will serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing, since this is a critical factor to successful job performance. Accordingly, artificial intelligence (AI) should not be used in the preparation of the SOQ.

Describe your work experience, knowledge, and abilities that qualify you for the Assistant Chief Counsel position in the DCA Legal Affairs Division, including experience related to the Desirable Qualifications in this posting. The SOQ should include examples that demonstrate your ability to successfully perform in the position.

• Writing Sample: Please also provide a recent sample of your writing that reflects your legal reasoning and analytical skills. 

• Resume and cover letter required and must be included with SOQ and writing sample.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A statement of qualifications is required for this position. Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications Requirement section for instructions.
• Other - A cover letter is required and must be included.