Attorney III/IV
This is a repost from JC#251611. Candidates who applied to JC#251611 are still being considered for this position.
Who are we?
Californians rely on us—the California State Auditor—to ensure the effective and efficient use and management of public funds and programs. We provide nonpartisan, accurate, and timely assessments of California government's financial and operational activities. Our work results in truthful, balanced, and unbiased information with recommendations for actions that lead to improving government operations.
Why should you join us?
- You want to work in a professional environment with a team dedicated to making a difference for Californians and future generations.
- You are highly collaborative, solution-oriented, and a strong communicator.
- You have a strong work ethic and thrive when working under pressure.
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly explain legal issues and legal conclusions to non-lawyers.
- You desire an annual salary range of $130,500 - $167,556 for Attorney IV or $118,140 - $151,560 for Attorney III.
What is the position?
The attorneys at the California State Auditor's Office support the State Auditor, work in an independent, non-partisan capacity, advising the State Auditor on the laws that apply to government agencies and programs in California, including those that apply to the State Auditor's Office. You may work independently or in a team environment to provide formal and informal oral and written legal advice on a variety of issues supporting the State Auditor's Office. You will assist the Chief Counsel, the Assistant Chief Counsel, and other employees in performing legal research, analysis, and legal tasks. As a new addition to our team, your primary assignment will be to provide legal support to the Audits Division.
What will you do?
- Prior to the Legislative approval of a performance audit request, you will conduct highly critical and time-sensitive preliminary legal research and analysis to support the State Auditor Office's audit analyses.
- Upon approval of a performance audit or the commencement of other types of audits you will:
- Gather and analyze relevant laws and other legal materials, such as judicial precedents, proposed legislation, administrative decisions, and other legal authorities.
- Interpret and apply those laws to particular regulatory programs or legal issues identified as part of the audit.
- Communicate the results of the research and analysis, both verbally and in writing, to management and others within the State Auditor's Office.
- Review audit reports and related correspondence for legal content and consistency, including the development and review of audit recommendations involving legal compliance or changes in law.
- Perform legislative research and provide legal advice on pending legislation that may impact the State Auditor's Office; determine the content and impact of proposed laws and regulations on the operations, including the rights, duties, and authority, of the State Auditor's Office; summarize and report the results of such research.
- Draft and interpret laws and regulations; draft and review legal documents, including subpoenas, court documents, and contracts; conduct depositions; represent the State Auditor's Office in legal matters; and, on occasion, represent or assist other counsel in litigation on behalf of or in defense of the State Auditor's Office.
- Provide appropriate legal advice on a broad range of legal issues, including, but not limited to, compliance with laws related to state and local government, conflicts of interest, public meetings and records access, and laws related to confidentiality.
Who are you?
- You have experience reviewing and analyzing complex and sensitive issues concerning a variety of legal issues such as employment, ethics, and litigation matters.
- You have experience working with the Legislature, other state agencies, and high-level Executive Branch staff.
- You have experience providing advice to and representing high-ranking state officials on a broad range of legal issues.
- You have experience drafting legal documents including regulations, adverse actions, contracts and related procurement documents and pleadings.
- You have familiarity with auditing and/or project management standards and principles.
- You have a proven ability to handle large and varied assignments involving a wide range and frequently changing subject matters.
- You have experience working well under pressure.
- You adapt easily to changing situations and assignments.
- You have a history of working cooperatively and dealing effectively with others.
- You have the ability to work on several concurrent projects with different groups.
How do I join?
The California State Auditor is part of the merit-based California civil service selection system. The civil service selection system consists of two simple steps: exams and hiring. This job announcement is part of the hiring step in the process. Details on taking the Attorney IV examination can be found on CalHR's website.
Even if you have not taken the exam, you can apply for the position but must complete the exam process prior to participating in a hiring interview. To be considered for the position, submit a completed STD. 678, resume, and statement of qualifications through your CalCareer account or by mail:
California State Auditor
Human Resources Office
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 1200
Sacramento, California 95814
Statement of Qualifications
Your statement of qualifications should be no more than three pages and should address your general qualifications, including, but not limited to, responses to the following questions:
- Explain the State Auditor's role in California government. Please also describe your past experience with any audit or investigatory work (including any work with the State Auditor's Office if applicable), your interactions with that work, and what you learned from it.
- Describe the aspects of your work experience that you think make you especially well-qualified to work in the State Auditor's Office. Include a description of your experience with laws generally applicable to government operations.
- Describe the legal subjects/practice areas you feel most confident practicing and why. What new legal subjects would you like to learn? What legal subjects do you dislike or wish to avoid practicing?
Current state employees with eligibility are encouraged to apply. Willing to consider an Attorney III for recruitment purposes. The duties will be adjusted accordingly.
Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications may result in elimination from the hiring process.
The Fine Print:
Any applicant receiving a conditional job offer will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records prior to appointment. State Auditor's Office employees are excluded from collective bargaining. 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 state 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.