Closing Date: 24th October, 2025
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Learn more about CalSTRS culture on LinkedIn
This position qualifies for a 'Hire Above Minimum' (HAM) Salary. The starting salaries for Attorney III is $11,695; Attorney, range A is $8,588; and Attorney, range B is $9,666. Range placement for Attorney is dependent on experience and qualifications.
*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 Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability. 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 Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability (OLEA) monitors and maintains compliance functions at CalSTRS in accordance with applicable laws and policies. OLEA ensures organization compliance with the Political Reform Act of 1974 and other compliance requirements, including, but not limited to, Form 700, Form 600-H, Form 600-J and State-mandated Ethics Training. In addition, OLEA coordinates and responds to Public Records Act requests, Information Practices Act requests, Citizen Complaint Act requests and subpoenas with the assistance of associated business area(s). OLEA reviews, investigates, assists, and responds to Ethics Hotline reports and provides general guidance to the CalSTRS Board and staff members in an effort to avoid any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.
Under the direction of the General Counsel and under administrative direction of the Deputy General Counsel, the Attorney III will act as a Legal Ethics & Accountability Attorney with minimal supervision and is a subject-matter expert, and will consult with and advise internal and external stakeholders and business partners concerning the more complex laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines associated with ethics and compliance. The Attorney III works in partnership with the Attorney V to support OLEA strategies and objectives.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
Duties will be adjusted at the Attorney level.
Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program 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 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.
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=29443800&name=AttorneyIII.AttorneyDScombined.pdf)
Working Conditions:
CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.
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.
Minimum Requirements:
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 Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability. 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 Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability (OLEA) monitors and maintains compliance functions at CalSTRS in accordance with applicable laws and policies. OLEA ensures organization compliance with the Political Reform Act of 1974 and other compliance requirements, including, but not limited to, Form 700, Form 600-H, Form 600-J and State-mandated Ethics Training. In addition, OLEA coordinates and responds to Public Records Act requests, Information Practices Act requests, Citizen Complaint Act requests and subpoenas with the assistance of associated business area(s). OLEA reviews, investigates, assists, and responds to Ethics Hotline reports and provides general guidance to the CalSTRS Board and staff members in an effort to avoid any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.
Under the direction of the General Counsel and under administrative direction of the Deputy General Counsel, the Attorney III will act as a Legal Ethics & Accountability Attorney with minimal supervision and is a subject-matter expert, and will consult with and advise internal and external stakeholders and business partners concerning the more complex laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines associated with ethics and compliance. The Attorney III works in partnership with the Attorney V to support OLEA strategies and objectives.
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.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program 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 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.
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=29443800&name=AttorneyIII.AttorneyDScombined.pdf)
Working Conditions:
CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.
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.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Department Information:
CalSTRS: Securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California's educators
CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California's more than 1 million public school educators and their families. Named as one of the best places to work in money management ten times by Pensions & Investments magazine, we are a world-class financial services institution with a commitment to sustainability and wellness.
Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets.
In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.
If you're looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/Careers.
Special Requirements:
Exam
This position requires a current Attorney III or Attorney examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired:
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 secur
- Attorney III (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
- 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=493981)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=29443800&name=AttorneyIII.AttorneyDScombined.pdf)
Department Information:
CalSTRS: Securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California's educators
CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California's more than 1 million public school educators and their families. Named as one of the best places to work in money management ten times by Pensions & Investments magazine, we are a world-class financial services institution with a commitment to sustainability and wellness.
Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets.
In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.
If you're looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/Careers.
Special Requirements:
Exam
This position requires a current Attorney III or Attorney examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired:
- Click here (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1580) to gain list eligibility for the Attorney III exam.
- Click here (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1579) to gain list eligibility for the Attorney exam.
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 secur
