Human Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV supports the Legal Division's affirmative civil rights enforcement work by representing the Department in systemic and complex litigation brought under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Ralph Civil Rights Act, Unruh Civil Rights Act, and other statutes in the Department's jurisdiction, and by providing other legal support for the Legal Division's operation. The Attorney IV leads the Legal Division's most complex and systemic litigation independently and with minimal supervision from an Assistant Chief Counsel, working cooperatively with other attorneys of varying levels of seniority.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This position will be located in Sacramento, Oakland, or Los Angeles, depending upon the location of the selected candidate.
This position is hybrid and may require the selected candidate to report in person up to 4 days a week in accordance with Department policy.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY IV

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524154
Position #(s):
326-410-5780-005
Working Title:
Attorney IV
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Work Week:
Monday-Friday
Department Information
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces the state's robust civil rights laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, the Disabled Persons Act, the Ralph Civil Rights Act, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
CRD has jurisdiction over complaints against public and private entities operating in California. With offices in six locations throughout California, CRD receives, investigates, and initiates individual and systemic discrimination complaints. CRD's Legal Division provides strategic guidance in complex investigations; litigates individual and pattern-or-practice cases in state and federal courts throughout the state; and provides general counsel support to the Department. CRD's Legal Division employs approximately seventy-five attorneys and staff throughout California.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be invited to interview for this position. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.
Department Website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
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: 7/30/2026
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:
California Civil Rights Department
Human Resources
Attn: Linda Critchfield
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento , CA 95811
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
California Civil Rights Department
Human Resources
Linda Critchfield
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento , CA 95811
08:00 AM - 04:00 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.
• Statement of Qualifications - Candidates are required to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application. Only candidates who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered. Resumes or cover letters DO NOT take the place of the SOQ. Applications without the SOQ will not be considered. Please see the SOQ instructions below for content and formatting information.

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:

• Exceptional leadership skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with civil rights laws, leading systemic litigation, public and administrative law, and state government's administrative and operational functions.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Openness to feedback and guidance from supervisors and managers.
• Commitment to collaboration and promoting a supportive work culture.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with the development and implemenation of policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage conflict and sensitive issues.
• Ability to use sound judgment.
• Ability to work with people, including opposing counsel, in a professional and civil manner.
• Commitment to public sector service
• Ability to speak a second language (bilingual) or American Sign Language preferred.

Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:

• Pension through CALPERS
• Medical Benefits, including health , dental , and vision insurance
• Medical benefits into retirement
• Deferred Compensation options: 401k and 457b
• Leave benefit options (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave)
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• ScholarShare (College Saving Account)
• School Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Linda Critchfield
(916) 220-0263
Linda.Critchfield@CalCivilRights.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jamie Crook
(916) 809-5274
Jamie.Crook@calcivilrights.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:
EEO OFFICER
(213) 723-6024
brenda.valle-balderrama@calcivilrights.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.
Additional Application Information
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).

Transcripts: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcript for verification. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Foreign transcripts must include official verification of U.S. equivalency prior to appointment by an organization found here .
Personally Identifiable Information: Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.
Statement of Qualification Instructions
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Do not submit a cover letter. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's skills, relevant experience, and ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please answer each question separately. Your response to these questions should be no longer, cumulatively, than six pages in length, using double-spaceing and 12-point Times New Roman font.
1. Why are you interested in serving as an Attorney IV with the Civil Rights Department?
2. Describe your familiarity with and experience in leading systemic civil rights cases, including group/class, class action, and/or multi-plaintiff cases.
3. Describe your experience engaging in motion practice, specificlly in systemic civil rights cases if applicable, including conducting research, drafting briefs, and presenting oral argument.
4. Describe your experience with an approach to leading litigation teams, including working with more junior attorneys and support staff.
5. Describe the extend of your experience litigating in California state court.
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.