Closing Date: 23rd October, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:With general direction provided by the Chief Counsel, assist with the day-to-day oversight of the Legal Office as it serves the Controller in the discharge of her constitutional responsibilities. As the Assistant Chief Counsel, organize and direct the caseload consistent with the direction of Chief Counsel, while identifying and implementing new processes and procedures to expedite responses to programmatic legal challenges or controls. The incumbent will be expected to exercise a high level of independence and judgement, but consistent with the expectations of the Chief Counsel.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33517999&name=AttorneyAsstChiefCounsel-DSSept2026.docx)
Working Conditions:
The Los Angeles Executive Office can be found in a 23-story office building known as International Tower. Located in Downtown LA, the building offers pre-paid parking, has a 10,000 square foot lush garden plaza with city views, and is near many restaurants, hotels, and venues such as Crypto.com Arena and the LA Convention Center. The office is easily accessible via LA Metro systems and from Interstates 5, 10, 110 and Highway 101.
- Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and review the work of attorneys whose responsibilities include, but is not limited to the development of legal opinions, responding to legal challenges, evaluating constitutional law related to the State Controller's responsibilities, etc.; facilitate knowledge transfer amongst existing attorneys; mentor, guide, and direct attorneys who are new or inexperienced to the department;
- Assist the Chief Counsel in providing oversight of legal staff, implementing training schedules, approving and denying leave usage, evaluating performance, imposing progressive discipline, setting caseload expectations; establishing consistency in legal opinion development; reviewing assignments; identifying corrective actions;
- Adhere to and set compliance goals; facilitate negotiations; influence the development of legal strategies in terms of program issues; research complex legal topics in support of decision-making opportunities on behalf of the Chief Counsel;
- Assess legal threats; coordinate the efforts of outside counsel when called upon to represent the department; assess risk and recommend best practice to better manage risk;
- Develop external relationships with other legal offices within different state departments; may be required to coordinate with the Attorney General's Office regarding subject-matter impacting the State Controller's Office;
- Assist in the development of executive legal strategies by identifying historical context, and data analytics; may be called upon to vet legal position as it related to boards and commission; provide legal counsel to Senior Executive Staff members;
- Oversee the preparation for lawsuits, identifying best approach, case studies, and relevant court decisions on similar subject-matter;
- Establish legal premise to proposed legislation and the resulting impact to the department; coordinate the implementation of legal decisions stemming from court rulings, recommendations, or best practices;
- Participate in legal governance when applicable, providing legal argument and justifying program/department positioning; provide regulatory advice; ensure compliance with all laws and/or court decisions;
- Provide legal insight by applying expert guidance and establishing or promoting legal trends as identified by the Chief Counsel;
- Represent the Chief Counsel during scheduled meetings, negotiations, hearings, or counseling sessions regarding the various program areas within the SCO;
- Provide legal support for cases scheduled for hearing in various venues such as Supreme Court, Federal Courts, Superior Court, State Appellate Court etc.; such cases may include matters of first impression requiring new theories and/or suppositions;
- Engage in the most difficult and complex negotiations, legal research, and opinion development;
- Meet with high-level representatives of other departments, boards, and commissions, or opposing counsel to negotiate, address issues of interest on behalf of the State Controller's Office, or mutually agree regarding potential resolutions;
- Travel to and from various locations when scheduled for hearings, meetings, or any other representational matters.
Working Conditions:
The Los Angeles Executive Office can be found in a 23-story office building known as International Tower. Located in Downtown LA, the building offers pre-paid parking, has a 10,000 square foot lush garden plaza with city views, and is near many restaurants, hotels, and venues such as Crypto.com Arena and the LA Convention Center. The office is easily accessible via LA Metro systems and from Interstates 5, 10, 110 and Highway 101.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Minimum Requirements:
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
The Office of The State Controller (sco) Is the Destination Employer Within the State of California. as California's Chief Fiscal Officer, the Controller's Office Ensures Accountability and Transparency of California's Financial Practices While Promoting Fairness and Opportunity for All. Here, You'll Work in A Collaborative and Supportive Environment with Diverse Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development. a Career with The Sco Offers Meaningful Work that Directly Impacts the State's Future.
The Executive Office (eo) of The California State Controller's Office Is the Strategic Center Point Driving the Vision and Mission of The Department. the Eo Coordinates High-Level Initiatives, Manages Key Stakeholder Relationships, and Oversees the Implementation of Policies and Procedures that Shape California's Financial Landscape. if You're Passionate About Public Service, Policy Development, and Human Resources, This Division Offers the Opportunity to Advance Your Career in A Dynamic and Impactful Environment. Join a Team Where Your Insights and Contributions Will Help Drive Excellence in Administrative and Financial Management.
Take the Next Step in Your Career with An Organization that Values Innovation, Integrity, and The Well-Being of Its Employees. Apply Today and Build a California Where Everyone Thrives!
Visit Our Website (https://www.sco.ca.gov/index.html) to Learn More About the State Controller's Office.
How Did You Hear About Us? Take Our Survey! (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCOJOBS)
Special Requirements:
Take the Required Examination Here: Attorney v Examination (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearchResults.aspx#classid=4574)
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 10/23/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List or Leap Eligibility, Are in The Process of Obtaining List Eligibility, or Have Sroa And/or Surplus Eligibility (please Attach Your Letter, if Available). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply.
Applications Will Be Screened and Only the Most Qualified Applicants Will Be Selected to Move Forward in The Selection Process. Applicants Must Meet the Minimum Qualifications Stated in The Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/employment Application (std 678) and Applicable or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted to Apply for This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. when Submitting Your Application in Hard Copy, a Completed Copy of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. if You Choose to Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Pa
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=532932)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33517999&name=AttorneyAsstChiefCounsel-DSSept2026.docx)
Department Information:
The Office of The State Controller (sco) Is the Destination Employer Within the State of California. as California's Chief Fiscal Officer, the Controller's Office Ensures Accountability and Transparency of California's Financial Practices While Promoting Fairness and Opportunity for All. Here, You'll Work in A Collaborative and Supportive Environment with Diverse Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development. a Career with The Sco Offers Meaningful Work that Directly Impacts the State's Future.
The Executive Office (eo) of The California State Controller's Office Is the Strategic Center Point Driving the Vision and Mission of The Department. the Eo Coordinates High-Level Initiatives, Manages Key Stakeholder Relationships, and Oversees the Implementation of Policies and Procedures that Shape California's Financial Landscape. if You're Passionate About Public Service, Policy Development, and Human Resources, This Division Offers the Opportunity to Advance Your Career in A Dynamic and Impactful Environment. Join a Team Where Your Insights and Contributions Will Help Drive Excellence in Administrative and Financial Management.
Take the Next Step in Your Career with An Organization that Values Innovation, Integrity, and The Well-Being of Its Employees. Apply Today and Build a California Where Everyone Thrives!
Visit Our Website (https://www.sco.ca.gov/index.html) to Learn More About the State Controller's Office.
How Did You Hear About Us? Take Our Survey! (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCOJOBS)
Special Requirements:
Take the Required Examination Here: Attorney v Examination (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearchResults.aspx#classid=4574)
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 10/23/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List or Leap Eligibility, Are in The Process of Obtaining List Eligibility, or Have Sroa And/or Surplus Eligibility (please Attach Your Letter, if Available). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply.
Applications Will Be Screened and Only the Most Qualified Applicants Will Be Selected to Move Forward in The Selection Process. Applicants Must Meet the Minimum Qualifications Stated in The Classification Specification(s).
How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/employment Application (std 678) and Applicable or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted to Apply for This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your Cal Career Account at Www.Cal Careers.Ca.Gov. when Submitting Your Application in Hard Copy, a Completed Copy of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. if You Choose to Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Pa
