Deputy General Counsel

Please note this is an 'Until Filled' position. The next application cut-off dates are October 19, 2026, and November 9, 2026, by 11:59 PM (PST). Interested individuals must submit their application package by the cut-off dates to be considered.

Have you ever considered a legal career at the California Department of Education? Your work benefits kids! Attorney III is an expert in the most complex and sensitive legal work related to laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to TK-12 education programs. Our lawyers are often involved in cutting-edge litigation on constitutional issues that often impact all state education agencies throughout the country. It is an exciting and rewarding time to be in the world of education law! We offer a wide-range of opportunities and assignments that require diverse legal skills in order to help improve California's education system.


Specific duties vary depending on current needs, but may include:


• Representing the CDE, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) in litigation in federal and state courts by handling all facets of complex litigation ranging from motions and discovery through trial and on through the appellate courts.


• Researching and preparing guidance, memoranda or opinions to advise the operation of specialized programs, such as Special Education, Nutrition, After School, Transitional Kindergarten, English Learners, Charter Schools, Curriculum Frameworks, the State Special Schools for the Deaf and Blind, etc.


• Helping draft and analyze sponsored or proposed legislation, advising program staff on interpreting existing laws, and assisting with the drafting of regulations to implement new programs and/or respond to changes to the law.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits through October 2026. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.


Per CCR 249.3, this recruitment may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this job posting.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


TELEWORK OPTION

HYBRID


This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. A hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY III
• ATTORNEY

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-518780


Position #(s):
174-070-5795-XXX

Working Title:
Deputy General Counsel


Classification:
ATTORNEY III $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


Shall Consider:
ATTORNEY
$7,969.00 - $10,473.00 A
$8,969.00 - $12,026.00 B


# of Positions:
Multiple


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
Legal, Audits and Charters Branch


Department Information
The California Department of Education (CDE) oversees the state's diverse and dynamic public school system, which is responsible for the education of more than six million children and young adults in more than 10,000 schools with 295,000 teachers. The CDE and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and childcare programs. The CDE's mission is to provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The CDE serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners, preparing students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.

Special Requirements
Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of "Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ," be no more than 3 pages, no smaller than 12-point Arial font, 1-inch margins, numbered clearly 1-5 and address the following:

• Experience in handling complex litigation matters before all courts and administrative tribunals, including legal research methods, court procedures, rules of evidence and procedures, and administrative law.
• Experience in handling complex transactional matters including compliance with State contracting and procurement processes, technology development projects, and data privacy requirements.
• Experience in developing, analyzing and interpreting statutes, regulations and proposed legislation.
• Experience in handling complex legal and administrative issues from a request for advice to completion, including identifying and analyzing legal issues and developing and implementing a legal recommendation and/or effective course of action.
• Experience in providing assistance to a diverse and complex constituency, including the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and California Department of Education.

Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Education
Human Resources Division
Attn: C&P JC-518780
1430 N Street, Suite 1802


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Education
Human Resources Division
C&P JC-518780
1430 N Street, Suite 1802


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions. Applications without the SOQ will not be considered.
  
  
  For assistance in completing the SOQ, we encourage you to watch the following video:
  Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
  
  
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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:


• Interest in becoming a member of a fast-paced office involved with very challenging issues at the forefront of state and national K-12 public education law.
• A background in education-related law, civil rights law or litigation is desirable, but not required.


Benefits
The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee's bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance


• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days


• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)


• Employee Assistance Program


• Commute Program


More benefit information can be found on CalHR's website: Benefits Summary


Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Holly Madeiros
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies: Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635)
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
• For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: Work4CA:How to Get a State Job Series .

Examination Information


To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

Please note : A separate application is required for the examination and must be submitted to the address on the examination bulletin.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: Examinations Bulletins - Exams & Jobs (CDE Intranet) or at the link below:

Attorney:

Attorney III:

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.