Staff Attorney

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION • San Jose, CA

1d • $116,388 - $169,307 • Onsite

About The Position

The California School Employees Association is recruiting a Staff Attorney to handle caseload that includes civil litigation in state courts, proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) and advising Association staff and leaders on other matters. This is a great position if you have hands-on experience in education law, employment law or labor law or in labor relations, and want to make a difference in improving lives, education and communities. We are a stable union representing over 250,000 members working in 750 school districts and colleges in California. Our members provide support services to school children. They are para-educators, administrators, food service, bus drivers, nurses, and skilled employees in grounds, maintenance and operations. CSEA is the largest independent classified school employees union in the world. We are actively involved in trying to reform the charter school industry, including enforcement of the Public Records Act (PRA).

Requirements

• JD
• 1-3 years minimum, legal practice experience
• 1-year experience in education, Public Records Act, employment or labor law, preferably latter
• Relevant pre-Bar labor relations experience will also be considered
• Clear and concise communications skills, in speech and in writing
• Knowledge of collective bargaining or charter schools
• A strong desire to make the union a powerful voice in social justice issues
• Valid driver's license, car and insurance
• Candidates with JD but not admitted to the California Bar must pass the Bar within one year of hire

Responsibilities

• Evaluate litigation requests made by staff to enforce the rights of CSEA and its members under the Education Code, PRA and other statutes
• Handle civil litigation and PERB appeals on behalf of local chapters and members
• Provide legal opinions to CSEA management and staff on laws that affect CSEA
• Evaluate and defend PERB charges occasionally filed by members against CSEA
• Provide training for staff on legal procedures, labor law and other subjects
• Draft appropriate contract language
• Act as main liaison to one or more field offices
• Investigate and advise member committees, officials and staff on internal disciplinary charges against members and internal appeals
• Provide leadership to CSEA staff and members
• Represent CSEA in state and federal courts and in administrative hearings before PERB
• Interpret laws, rules and policies
• Prepare briefs, points, authorities, and other written materials for administrative tribunals and trial and appellate courts
• Present persuasive arguments in trial and appellate courts
• Exercise good judgment
• Remain calm and think clearly under pressure
• Exercise considerable independence, initiative, and judgment in researching and proceeding with issues and cases
• Foster collaborative relationships with diverse cultural groups, as well as with professional, technical, administrative and service employees
• Work occasional weekends or travel overnight

Benefits

• CSEA offers outstanding salary and benefits and is an exceptional place to work.
• Additional benefits include 19 paid holidays, 3 weeks’ vacation to start and 5 weeks after 7 years, medical benefits for you and your family, life insurance coverage and a pension plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree