Attorney I/Ii/Iii

Office of Chief Trial Counsel

Annual Salary Range for Attorney I: $103,037 - $154,424

Annual Salary Range for Attorney II: $113,339 - $169,872

Annual Salary Range for Attorney III: $133,371 - $199,901

FLSA Exempt / Union Represented

About the Office

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) is the enforcement arm of the attorney discipline system. The office handle intake, investigation, and prosecution in State Bar Court of allegations that attorneys have violated the State Bar Act or the Rules of Professional Conduct. The office also receives, reviews, and investigates complaints alleging unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys.

The Ideal Candidate

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel is seeking an attorney who has excellent written and oral communication skills and is able to apply unique facts to new/unfamiliar areas of law. The ideal candidate will have skills at all phases of litigation and strong trial skills.

Definition

Under general direction, an Attorney performs legal work that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendation of appropriate actions resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research; and analysis and preparation of various legal documents. Depending on the department or unit to which assigned, may prepare for and conduct trials.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the journey-level classification in the Attorney classification series, responsible for performing legal work. The Attorney classification is distinguished from the Senior Attorney in that Senior Attorneys generally handle more complex cases, trials, and projects and provide direction/guidance to Attorneys, while Attorneys generally handle less complex cases, trials, and projects, and provide lead direction to non-attorney staff, but not attorneys. However, as Attorneys gain experience and demonstrate competence, they will assume more responsibility and perform work of greater difficulty and complexity. Positions in the Attorney classification typically reports directly to a Supervising Attorney.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• May perform a number of other similar or related duties that are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.
• Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned, and assists in the evaluation of the work product.
• Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, and/or other documents.
• Performs trials, including delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross examinations, and preparing post trial briefs.
• Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
• Prepares cases for trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Conducts legal research in various areas of federal and state law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
• Makes decisions regarding the disposition of files and complaints.
• Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions or alternative methods of procedures.
• Provides direction to non-attorney staff.
• Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues.
• Participates in training and professional development activities.
• Stays informed and keeps staff within his/her areas of responsibility informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
• Writes legal analysis and provides instruction and/or advice to others.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and procedures, including the use of standard computer software such as Microsoft Office and case management system applications.
• Effective work coordination and strong case/project management principles.
• Mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Effective investigation techniques, case management and presentation of matters to administrative bodies and adjudicative bodies.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.
• The scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the United States and California Constitutions.
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in State Bar Court hearing and review departments.
• State Bar Act and related statutes, Rules of Professional Conduct and procedures as they apply to the performance of major duties and responsibilities of the position (to be obtained during the introductory period).
• Legal research and preparation of reports, briefs, opinions, and pleadings.
• Time management.

Ability to:

• Analyze and apply case and statutory law to various issues and facts to draw conclusions, make recommendations, and provide legal advice.
• Demonstrate independent judgment and initiative.
• Prepare legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, subpoenas, legal memoranda, letters, proposals, and/or other documents.
• Review and analyze complex documents.
• Obtain information through witness interviews.
• Prepare and effectively present cases at trial.
• Write effectively in a clear, concise and well organized manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of State Bar documents, investigations, and records.
• Communicate complex legal issues to a variety of individuals.
• Complete multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Conduct legal research.
• Provide direction and guidance to other staff.
• Negotiate settlements and mediate disputes.
• Speak effectively in court and to large groups.
• Work independently, as well as cooperatively in a team environment.
• Travel by air and automobile.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.

Experience:

• No minimum requirement.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements

• Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.

Condition of Employment:

Employment with the State Bar of California requires full vaccination and proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 before starting work. Exemptions to the mandatory vaccination policy may be available for a medical condition, disability, or sincerely held religious belief and must be approved before starting work.