Attorney IV (Complex Litigation) (Attorney IV)

Job Description and Duties Under the direction of the Chief Counsel or Assistant Chief Counsels, and using broad discretion in working independently, the Attorney IV will handle and serve as the lead over complex and sensitive state and federal litigation against the Department of Developmental Services (Department), including mentoring and training other Department attorneys in litigation matters. The Attorney IV will serve as the subject matter expert on the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and other laws applicable to or impacting individuals with developmental disabilities to effectively liaison with the outside counsel and navigate cases through the judicial process. Working with outside counsel, the Attorney IV’s combined litigation and subject matter expertise will be used to frame issues for the courts and juries to achieve the most favorable outcomes in cases. The Attorney IV will advise Department Executive Staff on management of complex cases while minimizing the burdens of discovery and other litigation responsibilities for the staff. The Attorney IV will handle, manage, and serve as lead trial counsel on the more complex administrative and regulatory matters the Department will face. Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of 4.62 percent in exchange for eight hours per month of the Personal Leave. The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $13,313.00 for the Attorney IV classification. Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week (proportionally less for part time positions). Work in excess of 40 hours is expected when necessary to complete assignments in a timely manner. Attorneys are expected to be in the office and available to clients between the core working hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless official state business requires them to be elsewhere. If outside of the office during core working hours, attorneys must be available by phone. Attorneys are required to maintain individual and master Outlook calendars, and obtain supervisory approval for time spent away from the office that exceeds ninety (90) minutes. Attorneys acting as the AOW must be available in the office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or arrange for alternative coverage from another Department attorney. Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey https://www.research.net/r/ddsadmin You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements • The position(s) require(s) a(n) California State Bar License License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired. The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be numbered in the same order as the following areas, typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered. 1. Describe why you are interested in working as an Attorney IV for the California Department of Developmental Services. 2. Describe your experience in handling complex civil or criminal litigation, including details of specific work you completed with the litigation. If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position. The MQs will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the MQs of the classification, the applicant may not be considered and withheld from the eligible list. 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: Knowledge of: Conducting legal research and preparing all products, Timely open and close assigned cases and maintain case files on all assigned matters. Submit updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels. Ability to: Interact independently, professionally, and courteously with departmental Executive team and multiple program managers while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines; communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, through the use of documents and electronic devices; proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs, or systems utilized by the Office of Legal Affairs, handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize workloads.