We are looking for a bright, energetic attorney to join our section to help further our client agencies’ missions of protecting and fairly managing our state’s natural resources. California state agencies manage our air, water, wildlife, forests and other natural resources, and when those agencies need advice or are in court, they turn to the Natural Resources Law Section for legal representation.
Positions available in Sacramento, San Diego, and Los Angeles. These positions allow telework. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises. California residency is required.
You will advise and represent state agencies including the Air Resources Board, the State Water Resources Control Board and the nine regional water quality control boards, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Fish and Game Commission, CAL FIRE and the Board of Forestry, and the Department of Food & Agriculture, among others. Attorneys in the section will typically handle cases involving air pollution, water rights and water supply, water quality, CEQA, endangered species, wildfire cost recovery, as well as business and corporate issues.
Responsibilities
The position’s duties include representing state agencies in litigation matters from soup to nuts from providing pre-litigation advice, to every aspect of pre-trial and trial litigation, through the appellate process. You will serve as plaintiff’s counsel prosecuting civil environmental enforcement cases, and as defense counsel defending state agency actions. You may also advise some boards and commissions on compliance with open meeting laws and on other issues when asked. Most of your work will be in state and federal courts in California, but some could be in courts in other states as well. Every deputy’s case load varies, and attorneys who are mission driven and welcome challenges thrive here.
Qualifications
Desirable Qualifications include:
- Hands-on litigation experience, such as drafting and arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, and conducting bench or jury trials.
- Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Experience with and/or a demonstrated interest in environmental law or policy.
- Ability to work independently and in teams.
- Excellent communication, analytical, organization, and negotiation skills.
- Being a self-starter with a positive attitude.
Required Qualifications:
- Active membership in the California State Bar
Application Process
Please submit an application on CalCareers (links below) by the dates listed by 11:59pm Pacific.
Los Angeles (apply by: 05/07/2024) https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=426784
Sacramento (apply by: 05/01/2024) https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=424425
San Diego (apply by: 05/02/2024) https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=427502
Your application package must include:
- State employment application form 678 (completed online)
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample: Court filings, motions or appellate briefs are preferred.
