What are the responsibilities and job description for the ATTORNEY IV position at Secretary of State?
Civil Litigation and Administrative Proceedings: Independently represent the Agency in state and federal litigation related to various programs, most notably cases involving elections issues. Represent the agency in complex administrative proceedings before the Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of General Services and the State Personnel Board
Legal Review, Legal Program Advisor and Oversight: Performs the most difficult and complex legal work on behalf of the Agency, including legal review of various documents and contracts, legal research and opinion drafting for the agency; responds to difficult legal correspondence and develops and updates agency procedures and policies to ensure legal compliance. Provides legal support and advice to agency management and staff on matters related to the agency’s functions, roles and responsibilities. Assist with procurement and issues relating to contracting, including negotiating and drafting procurement documents, reviewing and drafting contracts, representing the agency in protests, risk management, security, and intellectual property. Acts as liaison with Department of General Services, Department of Finance, Department of Technology, other departments and the Legislature as needed.
Document Production: Reviews sensitive public and legislative inquiries and the Agency’s responses. Provides legal advice and support to Division management and staff on records requests and correspondence. Coordinates divisional responses to subpoenas, as needed, which may involve directing staff to research and copy responsive documents, reviewing responsive records for compliance, writing affidavits, and communicating with the courts or subpoenaing attorneys
Legal Representation and Management Assistance: Provides general legal advice relating to agency issues; assists with managing litigation, conducts outreach, and performs general administrative responsibilities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position may be eligible for telework in alignment with the agency’s policies and division’s business needs.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- ATTORNEY IV
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
The Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) consists of nearly 750 dedicated public servants who uphold the rights of Californians while also striving to make our government, elections, and businesses both accessible and transparent. Led by an elected leader, accountable to the public, we are dedicated to fostering career development opportunities and growing a skilled workforce that embraces inclusion and values diversity.
Located in downtown Sacramento, the SOS building is within walking distance to a variety of eateries and amenities. Light Rail, State Capitol, Downtown Commons (DOCO), and Golden 1 Center, just to name a few. Conveniently located in the SOS building, the Gold Rush Grille offers delicious daily specials for breakfast or lunch and is open to the public. Our on-site childcare incorporates programs for children six weeks to five years old. Priority waitlist access and special discounted rates are available for SOS employees.
For more information about the SOS, please visit sos.ca.gov.
Special Requirements
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: 5/14/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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:
- 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - Please provide your response to the statement of qualifications as directed above.
Desirable Qualifications
- Litigation experience, including a history of independently handling and litigating complex civil cases.
- Knowledge of California's legislative and administrative rule process.
- Knowledge of election and corporate laws.
- Prior experience serving as counsel to a public agency.
- Demonstrates excellence in verbal and written communications.
- Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in legal research and analysis.
- Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, and work independently and/or in a team environment.
- Demonstrate consistent attention to detail.
- Proven leadership abilities, including mentoring ad guiding junior legal staff.
- Ability to interact professionally and effectively with the public, Agency personnel, and other stakeholders.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Natalie Venegas
(916) 653-6974
Nvenegas@sos.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Sarah Bielski
(916) 653-6974
sbielski@sos.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Attorney IV Classification Salary Information
The State of California allows for a Hire Above Minimum starting salary rate of $12,925 for those candidates starting at the minimum of the salary range. In addition, qualifying employees will receive a merit salary increase annually not to exceed the maximum of the salary range; merit salary increases are typically 5%.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Salary : $12,925
