Legal Advisor To The Supreme Court Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions (Level I - IV)

The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions is accepting applications for a full-time Legal Advisor to the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions. The position is being recruited at Levels I — IV and will be staffed at a level commensurate with the qualifications of the selected individual. This benefited position is a term assignment with the current term ending on June 30, 2025. A second term is expected through June 30, 2026, budget permitting.

Article VI, section 18(m) of the California Constitution charges the Supreme Court with adopting the Code of Judicial Ethics to govern the conduct of judges and judicial candidates.

The Supreme Court has adopted rule 9.80 of the California Rules of Court and established the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions to provide judicial ethics advisory opinions and advice to judicial officers, candidates for judicial office, and the public. In providing its opinions and advice, the committee acts independently of the Supreme Court, the Commission on Judicial Performance, and all other entities. The committee relies on and interprets the California Code of Judicial Ethics, the decisions of the Supreme Court and of the Commission on Judicial Performance, and other relevant sources in its opinions and advice.

The committee is authorized to provide ethics advice to judicial officers and candidates for judicial office, and to consider suggestions from the public when issuing formal written opinions, informal written opinions, and expedited advice.

The Supreme Court of California offers a hybrid work schedule with two days per week in the office and three days per week remote, depending on work assignments.

Duties

This position assists the committee in:

• Preparing formal, informal, and expedited written opinions.
• Drafting memoranda, opinions, advice, and other documents.
• Reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing pertinent documents, questions, and requests for advice in order to evaluate and assess the ethical issues, and the scope and complexity of inquiries received.
• Researching the applicable law contained in the Code of Judicial Ethics, statutes, constitutions, and precedent.

A legal advisor to the committee is expected to fulfill these responsibilities while also advising and assisting the members of the committee using remote videoconferencing, as well as meeting in-person with the full committee when advisable. The ability to act independently and proactively is required.

Salary

• Legal Advisor, Level I Salary: $8,319 - $10,572 per month
  Legal Advisor, Level II Salary: $9,148 - $11,625 per month
  Legal Advisor, Level III Salary: $10,532 - $14,052 per month
  Legal Advisor, Level IV Salary: $11,918 - $15,907 per month

Qualifications

Legal Advisor (Level I - IV)

Level I: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of three years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.

Level II: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of four years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.

Level III: Active membership in the State Bar of California and the equivalent of six years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.

Level IV: Active membership in the State Bar of California and equivalent of eight years of post-bar legal experience in a legal setting such as a private law practice, corporation, government agency, law school, court, or legal publishing company.

Licenses and Certificates:
Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Desirable Qualifications:
Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills. Experience and familiarity with appellate practice. Mature and sound judgment. Ability to work cooperatively with the members of the committee and its staff and with other court staff. Ability to discuss issues thoroughly and to work independently while welcoming substantial supervision and editing of one’s work product. Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines. Broad and practical knowledge of the law, including working knowledge of both criminal and civil law.

Additional desired qualifications:

• Legal experience related to ethics.
• Knowledge and understanding of the California Code of Judicial Ethics and related judicial ethics issues.
• Ability to write collaboratively with a large group of individuals.
• Experience working and communicating effectively with judicial officers.
• Experience working for a court or the judicial branch.
• Experience providing legal analysis and advice.

Other Information

Please note, if you are selected for hire, verification of employment eligibility or authorization to work in the United States will be required.

How to Apply

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by May 18, 2025, however, the posting will remain open until the position is filled.  This position requires the submission of our online application, resume, and writing sample.  Only those applicants invited to attend interviews will be contacted.

To complete the online application, please click the Apply for Job button.

The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260.  

Benefits

Some highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuter costs
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401 (k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Supreme Court of California Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.