Closing Date: 25th November, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Who We Are - The mission of the Office of Legal Affairs is to offer quality legal advice to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's (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.
Why You Should Join Us - As in-house counsel, Attorney Is work in coordination with many of CDCR's divisions and the Office of the Attorney General on a wide range of sensitive and complex issues requiring systemic reform. For these positions in the Complex Litigation Unit A, issues may include class actions or complex litigation involving a niche area of law such as: disability accommodations (both physical and intellectual); inmate healthcare (both medical and mental health); due process, conditions of confinement, and many more.
The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment with endless opportunities to become a subject matter expert, travels frequently within California, and works in both a collaborative team environment and independently. The successful candidate will be expected to: provide legal advice primarily in the fields of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Constitutional law; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; lead meetings with multiple stakeholders; represent CDCR's interests during meet and confers, settlement negotiations, or institution tours; present topics to a wide range of stakeholders; and, perform multiple tasks that require the ability to work independently and stringent adherence to deadlines.
Human Resources Technology System
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 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) 4612.
CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.
This advertisement is for an Attorney position located at Headquarters in Sacramento. Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-400-5778-055.
Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
See Essential Functions attached to the Duty Statement.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33936374&name=DutyStatementECOS.pdf)
Working Conditions:
The Office of Legal Affairs provides a secured access facility with complimentary parking. The incumbent will report to the Office of Legal Affairs in Rancho Cordova - 95827. The Department will provide a laptop and cell phone.
The position is eligible for hybrid telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. Specific telework schedules may be discussed further during the interview process. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
On occasion, travel may be necessary throughout the state to a CDCR institution, location, or to court for appearances. Days of work or travel 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 bedrug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment Statements
CDCR and 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.
Special Requirements:
Attorney (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=536412)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33936374&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 bedrug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.
Commitment Statements
CDCR and 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.
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:
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: 11/25/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral
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:
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: 11/25/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral
