Closing Date: 22nd June, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Under direction of an Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney III assists with the implementation of litigation prevention strategies designed to mitigate liability risks for the CDCR and its employees. The Attorney III provides legal, technical, and administrative advice on complex and sensitive issues that may involve incarcerated individuals, supervised persons, employees, public procurement, contracts, public entities, unions and members of the public. The incumbent provides legal advice on sensitive legal matters relating to protocols and methodologies designed to assist the department in managing its liability exposure.
The attorney must have the ability to work collaboratively with CDCR internal units and outside agencies, which may include Department of General Services, Department of Finance, Office of the Attorney General (OAG), State Compensation Insurance Fund, and Office of the Governor. The incumbent may be required to represent the CDCR before various administrative bodies including the State Personnel Board, Office of Administrative Hearings, State Public Works Board, and Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, among others.
Individuals pending bar results are encouraged to apply, however, active bar membership is necessary at the time of appointment.
This advertisement is for an Attorney position located in Sacramento. Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-400-5778-032.
Human Resources Technology System
The CDCR Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides the applicant access to real-time updates throughout the hiring process.
HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application's progress. Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from DoNotReply@cdcr.ns2cloud.com or DoNotReply@CDCR (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account. For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition (JR) 3973.
Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application. CDCR and California Correctional Health Care (CCHCS) employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR/CCHCS email address on their application.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 4.62% reduction in pay in exchange for five (5) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32189699&name=DutyStatementECOS.pdf)
Working Conditions:
The Office of Legal Affairs provides a secure access facility with complimentary parking and is situated in Sacramento, within the 95827 zip code. The Department will provide a laptop and cell phone.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for employees who can satisfactorily perform their essential work functions independently and remotely. Specific telework schedules may be discussed further during the interview process. Telework is only available to California state residents who reside and remain in the state. In-office work will be required in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy.
On occasion, travel will be necessary to a CDCR institution or location throughout the state for site inspections or interviews, State Personnel Board appearances, and court appearances. Days of work may include any day of the week, and hours may include non-standard business hours.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
Vision:
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission:
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment Statement
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.
CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.
Who We Are:
The mission of the Office of Legal Affairs is to offer quality legal advice to CDCR's leadership and staff to help ensure that CDCR's operations are conducted effectively and consistent with legal requirements. Our attorneys anticipate legal issues and offer practical solutions, appropriately resolve legal disputes, and vigorously advocate to advance CDCR's mission. We strive to be a valued and trusted partner, recognized for expertise, innovation, and client service.
Special Requirements:
Attorney (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=514174)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32189699&name=DutyStatementECOS.pdf)
Department Information:
Vision:
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.
Mission:
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment Statement
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.
CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.
CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.
Who We Are:
The mission of the Office of Legal Affairs is to offer quality legal advice to CDCR's leadership and staff to help ensure that CDCR's operations are conducted effectively and consistent with legal requirements. Our attorneys anticipate legal issues and offer practical solutions, appropriately resolve legal disputes, and vigorously advocate to advance CDCR's mission. We strive to be a valued and trusted partner, recognized for expertise, innovation, and client service.
Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) Active membership in the California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES – National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov.
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
Application Instructions:
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES – National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting.
When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.
CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov.
This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.
Application Instructions:
