Assistant General Counsel - Civil Litigation (State & Federal Courts)

The State Bar of California•Los Angeles, CA

66d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is the in-house counsel to the State Bar, providing a full range of services, including representation of the State Bar in all state and federal courts and before administrative agencies; advocacy of State Bar discipline and admission cases in the California Supreme Court; and providing legal advice to the State Bar Board of Trustees, and all State Bar entities, executives, and programmatic clients. OGC provides legal advice and representation in the following areas: civil litigation, admissions and discipline, antitrust, Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, bankruptcy, California Public Records Act, collections, contracts, copyright, governance, labor and employment, legislation, regulations and rules, real estate, regulatory work, and general corporate matters. Attorneys in OGC are also expected to work on requests for “second-look” of disciplinary complaints that have been closed by Office of Chief Trial Counsel.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
Minimum of four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position (for Attorney III).
Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position (for Attorney IV).
Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.
Active member, in good standing, in the State Bar of California.
Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature.
Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions.
Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
Rules and procedures related to public hearings.
Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
Advanced analytical skills.
Principles of effective time management.
Principles of oral advocacy.
Strong writing and oral communication skills.
Advanced legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings.
Principles of conflict resolution.
Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.
Ability to receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
Ability to conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
Ability to work under the pressure of short deadlines.
Ability to effectively address conflict.
Ability to review and analyze complex written documents.
Ability to obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
Advanced investigation techniques, and/or case management and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
Rules and procedures for public meetings.
Advanced principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
Advanced principles of effective time management.
Advanced principles of oral advocacy.
Advanced legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings.
Advanced principles of conflict resolution.

Nice To Haves

Strong civil litigation background in both state and federal courts, including appeals.
Public agency experience, including advising on laws such as the California Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and the Government Claims Act.
Dynamic, self-motivated attorney who takes initiative, can work independently with sound judgment, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and providing clear, solution-oriented advice.
Able to break down complex legal concepts clearly and concisely, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and be dedicated to public service.
Natural collaborator who can work effectively with colleagues within the team and across the State Bar.
Embody the State Bar's core values—particularly growth mindset, clarity, respect, and excellence—and align with the State Bar's mission, strategic plan, and goals of the office.
Expertise in a broad or specialized area of law.
Experience developing and delivering training to attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

Maintains close working relationships with Management, subject matter supervisors, and members of the team to which they are assigned in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Coordinates the work of other staff necessary to perform assigned responsibilities and may participate in the training of other personnel.
Responsible for handling complex matters, with the expectation of producing favorable results.
Handling litigation matters, including responding to complaints, propounding and responding to discovery, substantive motions, and hearings, up to and including trial.
Conducting “second look” reviews of complaints filed against attorneys that have been closed by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel without taking any action and determining whether to recommend further actions with respect to such complaints.
Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities that are more complex than those handled by Attorney IIs and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials.
Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations, and other assignments of a more complex nature.
Coordinates with other attorneys, volunteers, and other constituencies as assigned.
Ensures the adequate, effective, and timely preparation, presentation, and completion of investigations, cases, and/or legal projects assigned.
Keeps informed and assures that subordinate staff is informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function.
May participate in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to human resources issues.
Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions and or alternative methods or procedures.
Assumes a senior-level role in advising management in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy.
Provides substantive and procedural guidance to lower-level Attorneys.
Provides direction to, and reviews the work of, non-attorney staff.
Performs work involving innovative theories, specialization in an area of law in which the Attorney is recognized as having particular expertise.
Provides guidance to attorneys and other staff, as needed, in researching, interpreting, and applying legal principles of the most complex nature.
Assists in developing and delivering training to attorneys and staff in area(s) within their expertise.
Responsible for highly complex matters, including handling complex litigation, with the expectation of producing favorable results.
Develops appropriate and sound strategy for handling of assigned cases, including litigation.
Takes principal-level role in the effectuation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to human resources.