ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

Job Posting: Assistant Chief Counsel

State Controller's Office

JC-532927

• Assistant Chief Counsel

ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14,513.00 - $17,742.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/23/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

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Job Description and Duties

With general direction provided by the Chief Counsel, assist with the day-to-day oversight of the Legal Office as it serves the Controller in the discharge of her constitutional responsibilities. As the Assistant Chief Counsel, organize and direct the caseload consistent with the direction of Chief Counsel, while identifying and implementing new processes and procedures to expedite responses to programmatic legal challenges or controls. The incumbent will be expected to exercise a high level of independence and judgement, but consistent with the expectations of the Chief Counsel.

Duties Performed:

(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and review the work of attorneys whose responsibilities include, but is not limited to the development of legal opinions, responding to legal challenges, evaluating constitutional law related to the State Controller's responsibilities, etc.; facilitate knowledge transfer amongst existing attorneys; mentor, guide, and direct attorneys who are new or inexperienced to the department;
• Assist the Chief Counsel in providing oversight of legal staff, implementing training schedules, approving and denying leave usage, evaluating performance, imposing progressive discipline, setting caseload expectations; establishing consistency in legal opinion development; reviewing assignments; identifying corrective actions;
• Adhere to and set compliance goals; facilitate negotiations; influence the development of legal strategies in terms of program issues; research complex legal topics in support of decision-making opportunities on behalf of the Chief Counsel;
• Assess legal threats; coordinate the efforts of outside counsel when called upon to represent the department; assess risk and recommend best practice to better manage risk;
• Develop external relationships with other legal offices within different state departments; may be required to coordinate with the Attorney General's Office regarding subject-matter impacting the State Controller's Office;
• Assist in the development of executive legal strategies by identifying historical context, and data analytics; may be called upon to vet legal position as it related to boards and commission; provide legal counsel to Senior Executive Staff members;
• Oversee the preparation for lawsuits, identifying best approach, case studies, and relevant court decisions on similar subject-matter;
• Establish legal premise to proposed legislation and the resulting impact to the department; coordinate the implementation of legal decisions stemming from court rulings, recommendations, or best practices;
• Participate in legal governance when applicable, providing legal argument and justifying program/department positioning; provide regulatory advice; ensure compliance with all laws and/or court decisions;
• Provide legal insight by applying expert guidance and establishing or promoting legal trends as identified by the Chief Counsel;
• Represent the Chief Counsel during scheduled meetings, negotiations, hearings, or counseling sessions regarding the various program areas within the SCO;
• Provide legal support for cases scheduled for hearing in various venues such as Supreme Court, Federal Courts, Superior Court, State Appellate Court etc.; such cases may include matters of first impression requiring new theories and/or suppositions;
• Engage in the most difficult and complex negotiations, legal research, and opinion development;
• Meet with high-level representatives of other departments, boards, and commissions, or opposing counsel to negotiate, address issues of interest on behalf of the State Controller's Office, or mutually agree regarding potential resolutions;
• Travel to and from various locations when scheduled for hearings, meetings, or any other representational matters.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer's market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment.

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.

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-532927

Position #(s):

051-720-5871-001

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:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Facility:

Executive Office

Department Information

The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future.

The Executive Office (EO) of the California State Controller's Office is the strategic center point driving the vision and mission of the department. The EO coordinates high-level initiatives, manages key stakeholder relationships, and oversees the implementation of policies and procedures that shape California's financial landscape. If you're passionate about public service, policy development, and human resources, this division offers the opportunity to advance your career in a dynamic and impactful environment. Join a team where your insights and contributions will help drive excellence in administrative and financial management.

Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!

Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office.

How did you hear about us? Take our survey!

Special Requirements

Take the required examination here: Attorney V Examination

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: 10/23/2026

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:

State Controller's Office

Human Resources

Attn: Human Resources Office, I.G.

300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Controller's Office

Human Resources

Attn: Human Resources Office, I.G.

300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento, CA 95814

Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.

08:00 AM - 05:00 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.

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:

• Active Member of the California Bar required;
• Knowledge of the State Controller's responsibilities;
• Strong legal writing skills;
• Ability to conduct sound legal research and statutory analysis;
• Understanding of the California State statutory laws and provisions of the State Constitution;
• Knowledge of legal principles and application;
• Ability to exercise a high level of responsibility.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:

Ryan Seeley

(916) 327-1361

rseeley@sco.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

SCO EEO Officer

(916) 324-2223

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.