Attorney III

Job Description and Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.

Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel and/or Assistant Chief Counsel of the Division of Workers' Compensation, the Attorney III acts as legal counsel on complex and sensitive matters relating to the Division. The Attorney III exercises broad discretion and acts with independence in providing legal representation and counsel. The Attorney III is expected to have experience, strong technical lawyering skills, subject matter expertise in multiple areas of the Division’s responsibility, and to have the ability to perform complex, novel, difficult and sensitive legal work in the unit.

As counsel for the Division's Audit Unit and Medical Unit, the Attorney III provides advice and guidance regarding the interpretation and application of workers' compensation statutes and regulations, and acts as counsel for the Audit Unit and Medical Unit in administrative enforcement actions. Additionally, the Attorney III will prepare or participate in rulemaking actions on behalf of the Division, and conduct legislative analysis as needed. The Attorney III is expected to be knowledgeable about the California Court system, California laws regarding the legislative process, and the regulatory process.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3.

To be considered for this Attorney III job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin:

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located at:

1515 Clay St.
Oakland, CA 94612

The duties of this position are performed indoors in an office equipped with standard or ergonomic office equipment, as appropriate. The position allows for telework and/or hybrid work in accordance with CalHR’s and the DIR’s telework policy and procedures. The position requires the ability for prolonged sitting and to work at a computer for extended periods of time and to move and transport office items in a safe manner. The incumbent may be required to travel.

Special Requirements

Membership in the State Bar of California.

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 the following:

The Labor Code and regulations governing California workers’ compensation system. Familiarity with conducting legal analysis to ensure relevant issues and information are identified and correlated with applicable law, and to aid in predicting the legal outcome. Proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Available research sources to complete legal research and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the sources. Professional ethical rules related to the practice of law and the role of public attorneys. The general principles of jurisprudence. The principles associated with the attorney-client relationship, especially as they apply to organizations and public entities. Proper citation formats to identify relevant authority. Legal, contractual, and/or individual agency requirements regarding information security or confidentiality.

Skills to:

Communicate clearly and effectively, convincingly, and accurately, both orally and in writing, in a professional and respectful manner. Take initiative and resolve issues as well as be proactive in identifying potential legal issues that prevent problems from occurring. Listen to others, facilitate an open exchange of ideas and provide effective communication. Use logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Effectively organize and prioritize work.

Abilities to:

Read and comprehend legal documents. Exercise sound judgment in decision making. Express facts, ideas, and legal arguments in succinct, organized, and accurate reports, correspondence or other job-related documents. Analyze and respond to legal arguments. Properly identify legal and procedural issues in assigned matters. Work on complex and sensitive cases and matters. Analyze information to detect potential logical, legal and or factual flaws in arguments or assumptions. Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in the dissemination of information. Work independently while producing high quality work products and meeting deadlines. Independently prepare clear and effective technical, analytical, and persuasive legal documents. Maintain a neutral, unbiased stance when evaluating legal matters and making recommendations. Successfully assist with or complete multiple projects within appropriate time frames while maintaining a high level of work performance. Work collaboratively with others in a team environment. Provide consultation to multiple requestors on legal issues or matters. Identify and apply relevant substantive areas of law that apply to public entities. Represent the Division and its staff and present cases before State and Federal Courts, and administrative agencies or forums. Analyze proposed legislation and regulatory measures and advise on their potential impact on the Division, the workers’ compensation system, and industry stakeholder.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid sick and vacation
• California State holiday pay
• 401 (k) and 457 plans
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Transit Subsidy
• Close to BART
• Child Care

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification.

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.