Job Posting: ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

JC-529178
-
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14,513.00 - $17,742.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/21/2026

Job Description and Duties

Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) offers legal advice to the California Departement of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) leadership and staff to help ensure CDCR's operations are conducted effectively, and consistent with legal requirements. OLA attorneys anticipate legal issues and offer practical solutions, appropriately resolve legal disputes, and advocate to advancing CDCR's mission. Attorneys working for CDCR have the unique opportunity to encounter multiple areas of law, including, healthcare, public contracting, accounting services, construction management, facilities planning, class action lawsuits, and provide consultation on policy development, regulatory work, court compliance, risk management, and employee discipline.

Under the direction of the Chief Deputy General Counsels (CDGC), the Assistant General Counsel (AGC) is responsible for supervising a legal team for CDCR, OLA. The AGC serves as counsel for the Department by working closely with the CDGCs, General Counsel, and executive leadership of the multiple missions and programs of the Department. The AGC provides guidance on legal issues, policy reviews, regulatory changes, legislative proposals, and any other program needs of a legal nature. The AGC works in partnership with the Office of Attorney General (OAG), outside counsel, and various other stakeholders to ensure that litigation impacting the Department is resolved in a manner most beneficial to the Department.

Human Resources Technology System
CDCR Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides applicant access to real-time updates throughout the hiring process. HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application's progress.

Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from DoNotReply@cdcr.ns2cloud.com or DoNotReply@CDCR (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account.

For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition (JR) 4369.

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.

This advertisement is for an Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel position located in Sacramento. Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-400-5781-002.

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 4.62% reduction in pay in exchange for five (8) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through October 2026. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.

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

Working Conditions

The Office of Legal Affairs provides a secured access facility with complimentary parking. The incumbent will report to the Office of Legal Affairs in Rancho Cordova (95827). The Department will provide a laptop and cell phone.

Telework
The position is eligible for hybrid telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. Specific telework schedules may be discussed further during the interview process. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Travel
On occasion, travel may be necessary throughout the state to a CDCR institution, location, or to court for appearances. Days of work or travel may include any day of the week, and hours may include any non-standard business hours.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-529178
Position #(s):
065-400-5871-002
Working Title:
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
$14,513.00 - $17,742.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to bedrug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

 

Commitment Statements

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.

CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

Special Requirements

  • The position requires an active California State Bar Membership License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
  • The position requires an active California Driver's License or the ability to obtain transportation to sites throughout the state.

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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: 9/21/2026

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Postal
Attn: CDCR Hiring Support
P.O. Box 942883
Sacramento, CA 94283-0001

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Drop-off
CDCR Hiring Support
9825 Goethe Rd, Application Drop Box
(Drop off not available on weekends and holidays)
Sacramento, CA 95827
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
  • Other - Cover letter addressed to the General Counsel describing your experience and how you meet the first five desirable qualifications.
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:

1. Demonstrates leadership qualities, including experience with directing, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff, and creating and promoting an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.
2. Experience effectively managing or litigating employment cases with significant impact on an organization, including those with high stakes, complexity, or media exposure.
3. Ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects, adapt to business needs, and address conflicting priorities.
4. Experience providing legal advice, representation, and training to high-level executives, internal partners, and other state department related to Labor and Employment issues. 
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively research, prepare, and review legal documents including statutes, regulations, proposed legislation, and policy materials.
6. Shall create and promote an inclusive workplace that empowers employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website,www.calhr.ca.gov and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov.

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx.

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Elizabeth Campa
(279) 223-4754
OLAPersonnelLiaison@cdcr.ca.gov

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:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 255-0458
M_CivilRights@cdcr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination Information

To obtain list eligibility for the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel classification, before applying for the position, you must first take and pass the examination here Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel.

Essential Functions

  • Maintain a regular work schedule during normal business hours at an approved worksite; work at least 40 hours per week, on average; work in excess of 40 hours in one week when necessary to complete a special assignment and be accessible 40 hours per week or more via department issued cell phone.
  • Travel to and from worksites, correctional institutions and facilities, government offices, courthouses, and training venues, which may require traversing on uneven ground.
  • Travel regularly to all parts of the State and travel occasionally outside the State, to include overnight stays.
  • Work inside penal institutions and juvenile detention facilities in the presence of incarcerated individuals, wards, and supervised persons.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and in person.
  • Use electronic software and databases to thoroughly and efficiently conduct legal research.
  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize work, in consultation with the Chief Deputy General Counsels (CDGCs), in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
  • Perform research and analysis to solve complex legal problems; answer legal questions with clear and logical statements of fact, law, and argument; timely assess and respond to written and verbal communications; provide sound legal advice; exercise rationale and reasonable judgment; and implement effective courses of action in a timely manner.
  • Effectively and professionally represent the department in all legal venues, before all legislative bodies, and at all administrative hearings, professional conferences, training seminars, and other meetings.
  • Work collaboratively with and assist department staff, administrators, supervisors, investigators, and executives; as well as subordinate attorneys, supervising CDGCs, and the General Counsel.
  • Transport legal files and other objects, which may weigh up to 50 pounds, to locations inside and outside the regular worksite.
  • Supervise the work of subordinate attorneys, participate in the hiring process for subordinate attorneys, mentor and train subordinate attorneys, direct the work of subordinate attorneys, evaluate the performance of subordinate attorneys, and take appropriate action in the event of misconduct or underperformance by subordinate attorneys.
  • Adhere to the California Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the State Bar of California, Board of Trustees and approved by the California Supreme Court.
  • Maintain active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job