Deputy General Counsel (Attorney III)

Job Description and Duties Please note this is an 'Until Filled' position. The next application cut-off dates are September 7, 2026, and September 28, 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. 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. 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.