Program Analyst (Public Records Specialist)

The State Bar of California•San Francisco, CA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks a highly motivated, analytical, detail-oriented professional to join our team. This position will primarily focus on coordinating and responding to requests for records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), under the supervision of an Assistant General Counsel. Such tasks include, but are not limited to: Drafting and sending responses to public records requests and ensuring compliance with the CPRA, including drafting initial responses that set out all applicable exemptions. Independently communicating with public records requestors to help them identify relevant documents and ensure effective interpretation of requests, as necessary. Working with offices within the State Bar to gather records and providing guidance and support to the offices to identify/locate responsive records. Independently reviewing documents and determining applicable exemptions and required redactions consistent with the CPRA and the State Bar Act. Researching eligible exemptions and stay abreast of changes to the CPRA and related legislation. Organizing records with particular attention to detail and maintaining excellent documentation of request status such that backup coverage can be provided during absences – both planned and unplanned. Educating and advising staff on CPRA obligations and procedures. The position will also handle other legal and administrative support tasks under the supervision of an OGC attorney, including, but not limited to: Assisting with subpoena and discovery compliance, including reviewing requests, gathering responsive documents, coordinating with internal departments, drafting responses and tracking deadlines. Providing support for responding to government claims, including preparation of response letters and tracking deadlines. Conducting document review, analysis, and organization for litigation, audits, investigations, or other regulatory matters. Assisting with contract management, including drafting standard terms, tracking contract status, and maintaining files. Providing litigation support as needed including case management and litigation tracking. Providing general support on projects or other assignments as assigned or directed by OGC attorneys, including involving the knowledge, interpretation, and application of State Bar policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job. The ideal candidate has prior experience handling records requests (either under the CPRA or the Freedom of Information Act) in a government setting and a solid understanding of public record laws. They are highly skilled at managing competing priorities, analyzing sensitive documents for legal compliance, and communicating effectively within the organization and to members of the public. Candidates must possess excellent judgment and discretion, be able to work independently, identify legally sensitive information, apply exemption criteria, and produce clear and accurate written responses. They must also be technologically adept, capable of navigating Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems and tracking tools to maintain accurate records and ensure timely responses. The right candidate will also embody the State Bar's core values, particularly growth mindset, clarity, respect, and excellence. Additionally, they should align with the State Bar's mission, strategic plan, and goals of the office.

Requirements

Prior experience handling records requests (either under the CPRA or the Freedom of Information Act) in a government setting.
Solid understanding of public record laws.
Highly skilled at managing competing priorities.
Skilled at analyzing sensitive documents for legal compliance.
Effective communication skills within the organization and to members of the public.
Excellent judgment and discretion.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to identify legally sensitive information.
Ability to apply exemption criteria.
Ability to produce clear and accurate written responses.
Technologically adept, capable of navigating Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems and tracking tools to maintain accurate records and ensure timely responses.
Bachelor’s degree in a field that develops skills related to essential duties, or a combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
Two (2) years of experience in data collection and evaluation, research or performance or financial analysis, grant compliance in a public sector, legal or nonprofit environment, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Embody the State Bar's core values, particularly growth mindset, clarity, respect, and excellence.
Align with the State Bar's mission, strategic plan, and goals of the office.

Responsibilities

Drafting and sending responses to public records requests and ensuring compliance with the CPRA, including drafting initial responses that set out all applicable exemptions.
Independently communicating with public records requestors to help them identify relevant documents and ensure effective interpretation of requests, as necessary.
Working with offices within the State Bar to gather records and providing guidance and support to the offices to identify/locate responsive records.
Independently reviewing documents and determining applicable exemptions and required redactions consistent with the CPRA and the State Bar Act.
Researching eligible exemptions and stay abreast of changes to the CPRA and related legislation.
Organizing records with particular attention to detail and maintaining excellent documentation of request status such that backup coverage can be provided during absences – both planned and unplanned.
Educating and advising staff on CPRA obligations and procedures.
Assisting with subpoena and discovery compliance, including reviewing requests, gathering responsive documents, coordinating with internal departments, drafting responses and tracking deadlines.
Providing support for responding to government claims, including preparation of response letters and tracking deadlines.
Conducting document review, analysis, and organization for litigation, audits, investigations, or other regulatory matters.
Assisting with contract management, including drafting standard terms, tracking contract status, and maintaining files.
Providing litigation support as needed including case management and litigation tracking.
Providing general support on projects or other assignments as assigned or directed by OGC attorneys, including involving the knowledge, interpretation, and application of State Bar policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.