Go Back
Under the general direction of an Attorney Supervisor, the incumbent performs complex and sensitive legal work with moderate independence and professional judgment. The incumbent serves as legal counsel and provides litigation support, legal advice, and training in labor and employment-related matters within the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO); including responding to and handling complex California Public Records Act (PRA) requests; supporting the Labor Commissioner’s Head Quarters (HQ) Team with reviewing, drafting, and assisting with vendor contracts, communicating with the Director’s team; and assisting and advising LCO staff with third-party subpoenas.
Additional information about LCO can be found here https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at http://www.calcareers.ca.gov
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3
To be considered for this Attorney III job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1580
Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Salary- $10,852 - $15,325/month
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
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:
Candidates with trial experience such as prosecutors and public defenders, and candidates with experience representing employees in Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) or Labor Code enforcement actions are especially encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of how to conduct legal analysis (e.g., issue-spotting, rule analysis, applying law to facts) to ensure relevant issues and information are identified and correlated with applicable law, and to aid in predicting the legal outcome.
• Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are complete, and free of errors.
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence and their application in depositions, court trials, and administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of pretrial and trial procedures in state and federal courts, as well as experience with administrative and appellate proceedings.
• Skill to listen to others to facilitate an open exchange of ideas and provide for effective communication.
• Skill to effectively organize and conduct cross examination of witnesses at trial or hearing.
• Skill to negotiate case resolutions that maximize results for the client.
• Ability to apply professional ethical rules as they relate to the practice of law and particularly the role of public attorneys.
• Ability to examine witnesses at deposition and at trial on direct examination and cross examination.
• Ability to review and/or finalize work products produced by clients, para- professionals, and/or other attorneys.
• Ability to lay the foundation for documentary evidence and expert witness opinion testimony.
• Ability to prepare and deliver closing arguments which synthesize evidence and applicable law in a compelling narrative.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in the dissemination of information.
• Ability to plan the development of a project, case or matter.
• Ability to present cases before State and Federal Courts, and administrative agencies or forums.
• Ability to remain calm under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making.
• Experience handling Public Records Act (PRA) requests, including reviewing and analyzing records and applying exemptions.
• Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts.
Other InformationAdditional Documents
Department Information
The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers.
Electronic Submission of Applications preferred. Application Packages maybe submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov/ Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on or before the above final filing date.
Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.
If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions” section below and ensure the following:
• Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.
• Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (cert, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.
• Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.
• Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.
This position offers a broad range of rewarding legal work for candidates who seek meaningful use of their JD's. The Labor Commissioner's legal unit supports the preeminent labor law enforcement agency in the country. This position will supervise a group of Attorneys who provide counsel and litigation support for field enforcement staff, litigate, appear at trial frequently, and cover a wide range of appellate cases in fulfilling the mission of promoting economic justice through robust enforcement of labor laws.
Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Special RequirementsActive membership to the California State Bar
Statement of Qualifications:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required as part of the application package. The SOQ is a narrative of how your experience, training, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this position. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes, cover letters, and other documentation DO NOT take the place of an SOQ. Applicants who do not submit an SOQ will be disqualified. Applicants who do not follow the instructions for an SOQ, or who submit an incomplete SOQ, will be disqualified.
SOQs must have the applicant's name in the document and be no more than five (5) pages in length with one inch-margins on each page in Arial 12-size font. You must answer the following statement in your response:
- Describe your personal mission and how it relates to the LCO’s mission and vision.
- Summarize your interest in this attorney position and explain how your prior experience qualifies you for the role. Include relevant experience with:
- public records laws, including your role in reviewing, analyzing, and responding to records requests; and
- reviewing, drafting, or negotiating contracts
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: 6/17/2026Who 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).
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:
Department of Industrial Relations
Cert Mailing Address Sacramento
Attn: Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Industrial Relations
Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento
Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 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 - Please see Special Requirements section of the posting for instructions on the Statement of Qualifications.
Working Conditions
The recruitment is being conducted to fill 1 vacancy, which may be filled at any of the following locations listed below:
Los Angeles JC-520176
Sacramento JC-520191
Oakland JC-520196
San Francisco JC-520206
San Diego JC-520213
San Jose JC-520216
This position is located at:
7575 Metropolitan Dr., Room 210
San Diego, CA 92108
The incumbent will have responsibilities across program offices and may be redirected to oversee other offices.
Extensive travel will be required. The incumbent will work in an office setting. Travel as required to assigned district offices. Travel may be via land or air and may require overnight stay. This position may require working irregular hours. The incumbent will have a hybrid work environment including in-person and remote work consistent with operational needs and may work in a high-rise office building. The incumbent will be required to sit for long periods of time while in the office and/or while driving to and from field activities. Travel may be via land or air and may require overnight stay. The incumbent will have access to a state vehicle, laptop computer, printer, cellular phone, and other equipment necessary to stay in touch with the assigned field offices and their staff. The assigned state vehicle will be parked at a departmental-designated location. The incumbent will also traverse various ground surfaces and/or buildings while managing between 2- 5 lbs of equipment (laptop or tablet, and chargers) while out in the field training field staff.
Contact InformationThe Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Certification Unit
(800) 564-0771
cert@dir.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:Diversity and Inclusion Office
(916) 559-6999
DIO@dir.ca.gov
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.
Additional InformationPreference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.
Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification.
If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.
Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey
DIR Mission and Core ValuesOur mission is to protect and improve the welfare and working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR is also committed to ensuring that all employers comply with labor laws in California to support a fair and thriving business environment.
Integrity - We fulfill the promise of our mission through fair, honest and ethical behavior.
Service - We are committed to responsibly serving the public and value their trust.
Respect - We treat others with dignity, courtesy and consideration.
Quality - We take pride in providing the public with accurate and timely services.
Transparency - We conduct ourselves with openness and accountability in all aspects of our work.
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.
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. BenefitsBenefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Quickly create a cover letter, get resume help, and more with our free AI tools!
