Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), Employment Advocacy and Prosecution Team (EAPT) assists in investigations into employee misconduct, advises on disciplinary decisions, and pursues disciplinary actions on behalf of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). In addition, EAPT litigates requests to file charges with the State Personnel Board (SPB), appeals to the SPB, or whistleblower complaints before the SPB, and defends or prosecutes petitions for writs of administrative mandamus before the superior and appellate courts. EAPT works with highly sensitive and confidential information and requires employees to maintain strict confidentiality. This position will support the investigations by the Office of Internal Affairs and support the investigation and disciplinary processes for cases arising out of the CDCR institutions and programs throughout California.

Under direction of the Chief Deputy General Counsel (CDGC), Assistant CDGC, or Assistant General Counsel, the EAPT Attorney III (Vertical Advocate) assists in investigations and prosecutes disciplinary actions on behalf of CDCR. The Vertical Advocate represents the best interests of CDCR throughout the disciplinary process. Attorneys in this classification are expected to perform job duties with limited supervision, demonstrate the ability to think critically, and exercise sound judgment in executing job duties. Further, attorneys in this classification are expected to prepare written documents that do not require significant revision and input from supervisory staff.

Individuals with an active State Bar License who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Human Resources Technology System
The California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (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 the 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) 4011.

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email on their applications. This advertisement is for an Attorney III position located out of the EAPT office in Bakersfield, Kern County. Employees may work at any EAPT office in Bakersfield, Kern County. The Department will provide a laptop and cell phone.

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 eight (8) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through October 31, 2026. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

The Office of Legal Affairs provides a secure access facility with complimentary parking and is situated in Bakersfield within the 93311 zip code. At the time of appointment, the successful candidate may be required to report to their headquarters office in accordance with the current Governor's executive orders.

Hybrid telework schedules may be available for employees who can satisfactorily perform their essential work functions independently and remotely in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. Telework is only available to California state residents who reside in and remain in the state.

On occasion, travel may be necessary to a CDCR institution or location throughout the state for site inspections or interviews, State Personnel Board appearances, and court appearances, among other things. Days of work may include any day of the week, and hours may include non-standard business hours.

• Hybrid Telework
• Laptop and cell phone provided
• Free on-site parking

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) active California State Bar Membership License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hire.

• The position(s) require(s) an activie 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 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 .

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

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 .

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

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. Experience with trials or evidentiary hearings in state or federal court or before administrative agencies.

2. Experience with writs or appeals to the Superior Court or to Courts of Appeal.

3. Significant experience with pre-trial litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and dispute resolution.

4. Experience representing governmental employers.

5. Experience in Employment Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights Litigation, General Civil Litigation.

6. Experience collaborating in a team environment with internal and external stakeholders, and working with oversight agencies.

7. Basic knowledge of state laws related to investigations and discipline of peace officers.

8. Willingness to create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

Benefits

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

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at  .

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at  .

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at  .

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

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.

• Ability to be supervised by assigned supervisor or manager.

• 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 Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC), in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

• Maintain and ensure confidentiality of Departmental information, records, documents, concerns, and issues.

• 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, attorneys, ACCs, Chief Deputy General Counsels, 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.

• 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.

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.
• Other - Cover letter addressed to the General Counsel describing your experience and how you meet the first seven desirable qualifications.
  
• Other - A writing sample demonstrating your ability to apply legal principles and advocate a position.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Remote work, Night shift

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