Description:
Job Description and Duties:Under general direction of the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels, the Attorney III performs complex and sensitive legal work in the Legal Affairs Division, including, but not limited to probate conservatorships, personnel matters, statutory and regulatory interpretation, programmatic legal advice, administrative appeals, transactional matters, including housing and contract issues, criminal placement proceedings, civil and administrative litigation matters, and legislative analysis. The Attorney III represents the Department in proceedings before courts and administrative bodies throughout the state. The Attorney III must possess the ability to interact independently, professionally, and courteously with Department managers and staff while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines. The position requires moderate to frequent travel. The Attorney III may be asked to assist an Attorney IV with more complex and sensitive legal matters. The Attorney III must consistently perform outstanding legal work.
Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.
The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $12,046 for the Attorney III classification.
- The Department now offers an entrance salalary rate of $8,846 for the Attorney classification.
- This position is eligible for geographic retention pay differential of $250.00 per month.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=30982153&name=DutyStatement.pdf
Working Conditions:
Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Department Information:
The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.
These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Special Requirements:
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be one page in length. Applicants who fail to answer the question below or submit an SOQ may not be considered.
Why are you the best candiate to fill this position with the Department of Developmental Services?
Application Instructions:
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: Until Filled
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 CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.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 package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
- 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=509440)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=30982153&name=DutyStatement.pdf)
The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.
These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
Special Requirements:
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be one page in length. Applicants who fail to answer the question below or submit an SOQ may not be considered.
Why are you the best candiate to fill this position with the Department of Developmental Services?
Application Instructions:
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: Until Filled
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 CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.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 package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
N/A
Attn: Kristin Romo
Cert Unit
1215 O Street, MS 10-40
Sacramento, CA 95814
N/A
Attn: Kristin Romo
Cert Unit
1215 O Street, MS 10-40
Sacramento, CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
N/A
Kristin Romo
Cert Unit
1215 O Street, MS 10-40
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
N/A
Kristin Romo
Cert Unit
1215 O Street, MS 10-40
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel is required. Travel will sometimes require the transportation of legal files and documents in file boxes that may weigh up to 20 lbs. Multiple boxes may be required in some circumstances.
Communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, using documents and electronic devices. Attorneys must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
- A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- While the Attorney III will perform increasingly difficult assignments, the incumbent must be able to adhere to the following job requirements, which do not vary based upon experience:
- Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. Work in excess of 40 hours is expected when necessary to complete assignments in a timely manner. Attorneys are expected to be in the office or teleworking and available to clients between the core working hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless official state business requires them to be elsewhere. If unavailable during core working hours, attorneys must be available by phone. Attorneys are required to maintain individual and master Outlook calendars and obtain supervisory approval for time spent away from the office that exceeds ninety (90) minutes. Attorneys acting as the AOW must be available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or arrange for alternate coverage from another Department attorney.
Moderate to occasional daytime and overnight statewide travel is required. Travel will sometimes require the transportation of legal files and documents in file boxes that may weigh up to 20 lbs. Multiple boxes may be required in some circumstances.
Communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, using documents and electronic devices. Attorneys must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs
