Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney Supervisor is responsible for supervising, planning, directing, coordinating, and reviewing the work of a subset of the High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) legal staff while performing the most sensitive and complex legal work consistently with favorable results for the Authority. The Attorney Supervisor position provides analysis, advice, and representation to all levels of the Authority on a wide range of complex and sensitive legal matters affecting the policies and the administration of the Authority.

The Attorney Supervisor must be knowledgeable in the operation of the Bagley Keene Opening Meeting Act and the Public Records Act. The Attorney Supervisor will work with outside counsel, including the Office of the Attorney General and private law firms, to ensure complicated legal issues and litigation are effectively managed.  

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1. Describe your experience leading and/or supervising, attorneys and your approach to effective, supportive supervision.

2. Describe your experience advising clients on contracting and procurements. Provide specific examples of procurements, contract negotiations, disputes or settlements you have been involved in and explain your role in them, their context, outcome and level of complexity.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

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:

• A member in good standing with the California State Bar.

• Possess basic computer skills, such as word processing, internet, email.

• Works well with others, both internal and external to the organization.

• Ability to reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex governmental and managerial problems.

• Ability to develop and evaluate policy, proposed legislation and regulations, and alternative solutions affecting the operation of the Authority.

• Ability to analyze data, develop alternative solutions, and present ideas and information effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to represent the Authority at meetings, public hearings, and other legal proceedings.

• Ability to gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during the course of the work.

• Ability to prioritize multiple, changing assignments within short deadlines.

• Knowledge of public contract law, environmental, construction, and bond law.

• Knowledge and ability to review and assist in the preparation of state contracts.

• Ability to draft statutes.

• Ability to prepare correspondence involving the explanation of legal matters.

• Ability to analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action.

• Ability to use legal research tools such as Westlaw.

• Willingness to travel.

• Knowledge of contract law.

• Work well in a team-oriented environment, with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to communicate with a diverse community, which may involve exposure to aggressive clientele or adversarial conditions.

• Experience of state functions.

• Experience managing or overseeing the work of attorneys and administrative personnel.

• Experience drafting and negotiating contracts.

• Ability to manage multiple clients and priorities.

• Experience working with a board or other governing body.

• Ability to present information and advice to executive level staff.

• Knowledge of the legal issues related to large infrastructure projects (particularly transportation projects).

• Experience researching unique and novel issues of law.

• Experience weighing legal, technical, and political risks.

• Experience working with sensitive and confidential documents.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options

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

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-516381 and Attorney, Supervisor, 311-160-5749-002 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please  click here to access the exam bulletin.

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 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 - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Remote work

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