Staff Attorney

California School Employees Association
Staff Attorney - San Jose, CA

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). 

Examples of duties:

• 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 

Ability to:

• 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 

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:

• 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. 

This position works at our headquarters office in San Jose, CA near the Milpitas BART station.  CSEA has 12 offices in California with approximately 300 dedicated employees.  A list of offices and locations is on our website.  CSEA offers outstanding salary and benefits and is an exceptional place to work.

The salary range for the Staff Attorney is $116,388 - $169,307.  Starting salaries are typically at the first step on our salary range, although consideration may be given for candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience.  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.

To Apply: 

When you apply, upload your resume and write a cover letter that explains why your energy and experience uniquely qualifies you for this position and why you want to work for CSEA. Additionally, please submit your law school transcript and writing sample to HREmail@csea.com. Only applications on our website will be considered.

Questions?   Contact HR at HREmail@csea.com.  Please do not send resumes or other documents to this email.

CSEA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and supporting a diverse workforce.

This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor and Standards Act.

EOE/AA

Salary : $116,388 - $169,307