Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel and the Deputy Chief Counsel, the Assistant Chief Counsel supervises the work of attorneys and carries a caseload of the most sensitive and complex legal work including assignments involving cases of the highest degree of difficulty.
This position is a 12-month position that may be extended and/or become permanent.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey CRD Human Resources Survey (Rev. Oct 2022) (surveymonkey.com)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
- Requires daily use of a personal computer and related software applications at a workstation
- Requires ability to complete tasks that typically may require making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties, with or without reasonable accommodations and modifications to facilitate such tasks
- Requires prolonged use of a workstation for 6.5 to 7 hours per day
- Requires dependability and excellent attendance records
- Requires occasional travel to attend meetings and trainings and to conduct depositions, trials, interviews, and mediations
This position can be filled in either our Oakland, Sacramento, or Los Angeles offices.
- Oakland: 555 12th Street, Suite 2050, Oakland, CA 94607
- Sacramento: 651 Bannon Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95811
- Los Angles: 320 West 4th Street, Suite 1000, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-507429
Position #(s):
326-420-5871-XXX
Working Title:
ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL $14,513.00 - $17,742.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Department Information The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces the state's robust civil rights laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, the Disabled Persons Act, the Ralph Civil Rights act, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
CRD has jurisdiction over complaints against public and private entities operating in California. With offices in six locations throughout California, CRD receives, investigates, and initiates individual and systemic discrimination complaints. CRD's Legal Division provides strategic guidance in complex investigations; litigates individual and pattern-or-practice cases in state and federal courts throughout the state; and provides general counsel support to the Department. CRD's Legal Division employs approximately seventy attorneys and staff throughout California.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.
Telework Opportunity
The California Civil Rights Department supports hybrid work schedules, including telework days, for employees who can perform their essential functions remotely, as operationally allowed. Travel expenses from your home to your assigned headquarters location is considered a normal commute and are not reimbursable.
Department Website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
Special Requirements Supervision Received: The Assistant Chief Counsel receives general supervision from the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel and may receive direction from the Director and Chief Deputy Director.
Supervision Exercised: The Assistant Chief Counsel will supervise Attorneys, Attorney IIIs, and Attorney IVs in the Department's Legal Division.
Administrative Responsibility: Adheres to all applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures of the Department, including directives from departmental management personnel on non-legal matters.
Personal Contacts: The Assistant Chief Counsel has daily contact with the Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, Department attorneys, other members of the Legal Division, Departmental management and staff, and frequent contact with complainants, respondents, legal representatives, and the general public.
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: 2/26/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates 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
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
California Civil Rights Department
Human Resources
Attn: Kathleen Vang
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento , CA 95811
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
California Civil Rights Department
Human Resources
Kathleen Vang
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento , CA 95811
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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 required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
Candidates are required to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application. Only candidates who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered. Providing a resume or cover letter DOES NOT take the place of the SOQ. Applications without the SOQ will not be considered. Please see the SOQ instructions below for content and formatting information.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills
- Knowledge of and experience with civil rights laws
- Significant experience in all stages of civil litigation
- Knowledge of and experience with the development and implementation of policies and procedures
- Ability to manage conflict and sensitive issues
- Openness to feedback
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to use sound judgment
- Ability to work with people, including opposing counsel, in a professional and civil manner
- Commitment to public sector service
- Travel as required to conduct state business
Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:
- Pension through CALPERS
- Medical Benefits, including health , dental , and vision insurance
- Medical benefits into retirement
- Deferred Compensation options: 401k and 457b
- Leave benefit options (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave)
- Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance
- ScholarShare (College Saving Account)
- School Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Statement of Qualification Instructions Statement of Qualifications
Legal Division
Assistant Chief Counsel
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Do not submit a cover letter. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's skills, relevant experience, and ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.
Instructions : Please answer each question separately. Your response to these questions should be no longer, cumulatively, than six pages in length, using double-spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins.
1. Why are you interested in serving as an Assistant Chief Counsel for the California Civil Rights Department?
2. Describe the skills and experiences that qualify you to lead complex civil rights litigation on behalf of the Civil Rights Department. Please include any experience with case initiation, dispositive motion practice, depositions, trial, and appeals, and experience negotiating settlements. If applicable, please include in your answer experience litigating group/class, class action, and/or multi-plaintiff cases.
3. Describe your experience with and approach to leading litigation teams, including supervising attorneys and legal professionals. Please address in your answer your experience mentoring, providing positive and constructive feedback, and conducting performance evaluations.
Additional Application Instructions Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678:
• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).
Transcripts: If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcript for verification. Foreign transcripts must include official verification of U.S equivalency prior to appointment by an organization found here.
Personally Identifiable Information: Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.
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.
