Office of Chief Trial Counsel

Annual Salary Range for Attorney I: $105,613 - $158,285

Annual Salary Range for Attorney II: $116,172 - $174,119

FLSA Exempt / Union Represented

About the Office

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) is the enforcement arm of the attorney discipline system. The office handle intake, investigation, and prosecution in State Bar Court of allegations that attorneys have violated the State Bar Act or the Rules of Professional Conduct. The office also receives, reviews, and investigates complaints alleging unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys. 

The Ideal Candidate

OCTC is seeking an attorney who has excellent written and oral communication skills and is able to apply unique facts to new/unfamiliar areas of law. The ideal candidate will have skills at all phases of litigation and strong trial skills.

Definition

Attorney I:

Under close supervision, the Attorney I assists in and performs legal work involving identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda; and litigation activities. At the discretion of the State Bar, incumbents in the Attorney I classification who have met expectations in performing their duties with close supervision may be assigned more complex duties and/or may be expected to perform specific duties with greater independence/general supervision.

Attorney II:

Under general supervision, the Attorney II performs legal work under general direction of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel and/or Attorney V (collectively “Management”), with progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations and other legal authorities; legal research; and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda; and litigation activities. The Attorney II handles assigned litigation, may take lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and may assist in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Attorney I:

The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff, or as a lead counsel in trials.

Attorney II:

The Attorney II is the journey-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff, or as a lead counsel in trials.

The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Attorney I/II:

• Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues.
• Reviews applications for program eligibility.
• May assist in or make recommendations regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
• Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
• Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
• Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Assists lead counsel in the presentation of trials, including helping to prepare opening and closing statements, direct and cross examination questions, and post-trial briefs; however, may serve as lead counsel in less serious cases under close supervision.
• Writes legal analysis and provides recommendations to supervisor and/or more senior attorneys.
• Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
• Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned.
• Stays informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
• Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions or alternative methods of procedures.
• Participates in training and professional development activities.
• Assists in the presentation of matters before State Bar sub-entities, commissions or oversight bodies, including preparing, reviewing, or editing draft decisions and agenda items.
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties that are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Following a probationary period, 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 meetings.
• 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.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Principles of 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.
• Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
• Work under the pressure of short deadlines.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Review and analyze complex written documents.
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.

Experience:

Attorney I:

• None

Attorney I:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating knowledge and skills necessary for the position.
• Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

• Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and response.