Senior Counsel

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Legal Services II Division the Attorney III independently performs the most complex and sensitive legal assignments and serves as the expert/lead attorney in the Cal OES Legal Services Division.

The position requires a high level of expertise on the demanding legal issues that affect Cal OES, ability to act with minimal supervision, and consistently exercise independent professional discretion on a diverse variety of problematic and complex legal issues and strategies. The legal advice provided may possibly have significant public safety, policy, and fiscal ramifications outside of the department and state government. Essential Functions:

* Complex Program Advice and Legal Opinions * Support to Policy Makers * Personnel and Administrative Support

* Emergency Response and Recovery Support * Litigation Support * Compliance

Physical Demands : The senior counsel must be able to negotiate effectively and conduct crucial litigation; work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and organizations and maintain the confidence and respect of others; and work effectively under pressure.

This position requires a California State Bar License. You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need. Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

Special Requirements

* The position(s) require(s) a(n) California State Bar License Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.

Application Package Requirements To have your application considered for this job opportunity:

* List the Job Code (JC) and Position Number for this position in the "EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING" section on the State Application, STD. 678. * List your most current employment history first in the "EMPLOYMENT HISTORY" section on the STD. 678. * Provide the "From" and "To" dates with the month, day and year, the "Hours Per Week" that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours. * You must complete the "DUTIES PERFORMED" on the State Application ( do not note "see attached resume" in this section ). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete. * SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter. * Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service.

If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency. NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail.

**A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.** **All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.** **We encourage applicants to apply electronically.**

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:

* Experience in emergency management including planning, preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery. * Experience with employment and labor law, including but not limited to employee counseling and discipline, reasonable accommodation, workers' compensation, leaves of absence, and workplace investigations. * Experience conducting administrative hearings, including but not limited to hearings before the State Personnel Board, the Department of Industrial Relations, and the Employment Development Department. * Experience drafting, reviewing, and providing legal advice related to contracts and procurements. * Experience drafting, reviewing, analyzing, negotiating, and/or editing legal documents including legal opinions, contracts, data sharing agreements, legislation, regulations, and legal notices. * Experience interpreting and advising on the principles and applications of the California Public Records Act, the California Administrative Procedure Act, the Fair Political Practices Act, the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and related regulations and cases interpreting these laws and regulations. * Experience handling or monitoring litigation.

Benefits

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

* Excellent CalPERS state pension plan * 401(k) and 457(b) Plans * Flexible Schedules * Generous paid time off * Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family * Investment in careers development * Free Parking * Electric Carport

Examination & Additional Information

To obtain list eligibility please click on the link below: Attorney III - Exam 1580 Personal Leave Program (PLP) : Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces employee pay in exchange for leave credits. The reduction amount and leave credits vary by bargaining unit. Salary range(s) listed do not reflect this temporary reduction.

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.