Assistant Counsel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

• ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

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 | Nationa l 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-veri fy.g ov .
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