Correctional Law Graduate Legal Assistant (Graduate Legal Assistant)

Job Description and Duties The Correctional Law Section is one of the largest in the Civil Division of the California Attorney General’s Office, with approximately 125 deputies in several locations statewide. Our section offers opportunities to work on individual civil rights cases, high-profile matters, appeals, and class-actions. Graduate Legal Assistants in the Correctional Law Section defend state employees in federal and state litigation brought by inmates. Graduate Legal Assistants provide excellent representation to high-ranking government officials as well as correctional administrators and employees. Duties include: • Engaging in all aspects of civil litigation, from inception through trial, settlement, or appeal • Investigating facts and analyzing documentary evidence • Exercising independence and initiative in cases involving cutting-edge issues of Constitutional Law and Civil Rights • Carrying a caseload while working collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues to achieve excellent results for the State of California • Traveling as necessary for depositions, witness interviews, client meetings, and site inspections inside correctional institutions statewide This is a full-time position, in a collegial office environment, with opportunities for intermittent telework. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements • A fingerprint check will be required. • Travel to state prisons, including some in remote areas, may be required. • Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-530730) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Application. • Unofficial law school transcripts will be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts is required prior to appointment. • Appointment to the Graduate Legal Assistant (GLA) class is limited term. Permanent appointment to the Deputy Attorney General (DAG) class may be based on successful admission to the California State Bar and DAG list eligibility. • You do not have to take an exam before you apply for a job. However, you must complete and pass the exam to be eligible for hire. • Graduate Legal Assistant Exam 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: • Strong research and writing skills • Experience in general civil litigation • Experience drafting discovery motions, dispositive motions, and appellate briefs • Strong oral-argument skills • Experience assisting in civil discovery, depositions, trial preparation, bench or jury trials, and appellate work • Interest in correctional law, prison procedures, and applicable constitutional law