Closing Date: 25th February, 2025

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
This position qualifies for a 'Hire Above Minimum' (HAM) Salary. The starting salary will be $11,695.

*This Position Requires an Active Membership with The California State Bar.

Are you an attorney interested in public service? Are you eager to grow and develop as part of a diverse and experienced team of attorneys? If so, the California State Teachers' Retirement System Office of the General Counsel is currently accepting applications for an Attorney III in the Litigation Services Unit. Join a team that takes pride in developing expert attorneys who are committed to securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California's educators.

Under the direction of the Teachers' Retirement Board and the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Office of the General Counsel provides advice on legal issues as they affect the overall programs and policies of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), manages CalSTRS legal program, and represents the System in litigation, appeals, and other legal matters. The Office of the General Counsel is comprised of multiple highly visible and complex business areas: Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability (OLEA), Enterprise Information Management & Legal Operations, Information Security Office, Legal Services, Investment Counsel, and Litigation Services.

The Litigation Services Unit is comprised of a team of litigators and support staff, and is responsible for representing CalSTRS in administrative hearings, writ proceedings, general litigation and other legal proceedings. The Litigation Services Unit also works in conjunction with outside counsel on a variety of transactional and litigation matters.

Under the general direction of the Assistant General Counsel and administrative direction of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, the Attorney III performs work with broad discretion and independence with minimum supervision on the more complex legal issues related to the Teachers' Retirement Law. The Attorney III is responsible for providing legal services and representation regarding a broad range of complex legal issues arising in connection with CalSTRS. The incumbent represents CalSTRS in administrative hearings and other legal matters, drafts advisory opinions and other legal documents, and oversees the work of outside counsel on pending litigation.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with all levels of staff and management.
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to set priorities, effectively manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines within challenging and strict time constraints.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, draw sound conclusions, and make clear and concise recommendations.
  • Exhibits professional demeanor, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations.
  • Ability to be a positive team player who represents CalSTRS core values.
  • Highly motivated self-starter with a strong work ethic and a high degree of integrity.

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

Telework Information: We offer a hybrid approach with staff working on-site at our Headquarters in West Sacramento two days per week.

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=26386987&name=815-102-5795-015_ATTYIII_FinalDS.pdf)

Working Conditions:
CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach with staff working on-site at our Headquarters in West Sacramento 2-3 days per week.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

Special Requirements:
Exam
This position requires a current Attorney III examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.

CalSTRS Personal Trading Program
Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees' personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.

Background Investigation:
Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements
This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code (https://www.calstrs.com/files/7e818a3e7/ConflictofInterestCode.pdf) that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act (https://www.fppc.ca.gov/the-law/the-political-reform-act.html), which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700). (http://www.fppc.ca.gov/Form700.html)