Job Posting: Senior Commission Counsel

Commission on State Mandates

JC-506912
-
Senior Commission Counsel
ATTORNEY III

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 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: 2/25/2026

Job Description and Duties

This position is eligible to telework up to three (3) days a week, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. This is subject to change based on operational need and/or future return to office orders. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Under general direction and supervision of the Chief Legal Counsel, and subject to the policy and administrative review of the Executive Director, the Attorney III effectively performs complex and sensitive legal work while exercising independent legal judgment. The Attorney III is accountable for providing quality legal service and recommends decisions to the Commission members. The Attorney III exercises broad discretion and independence with a minimum of supervision and is expected to be expert in the most complex areas of law within the purview of the Commission. The Attorney III serves as lead counsel on high-impact matters requiring advanced legal analysis, significant discretion, and minimal supervision. The legal work is based on statutes or executive orders filed by local governments for review of allegations, the administrative record, and research on legislative history and statutory construction to determine whether state-mandated new programs or higher levels of service and costs mandated by the state exist which may be reimbursable. This involves complex statutory interpretation, substantial factual records, and litigation with statewide legal and fiscal implications.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code.The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests.  The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment and once per year. 

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The Commission on State Mandates does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

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

Working Conditions

Gym on site, building close to freeway access, and multiple restaurants. 

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-506912
Position #(s):
356-001-5795-003
Working Title:
Senior Commission Counsel
Classification:
ATTORNEY III
$10,852.00 - $15,325.00
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
Work Shift:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Work Week:
Monday – Friday

Department Information

The Commission on State Mandates was established as a quasi-judicial agency to resolve disputes between state and local government regarding reimbursement for state-mandated local programs, in compliance with article XIII B, section 6 of the California Constitution, to relieve unnecessary congestion of the courts.

Vision
The Commission on State Mandates fairly and impartially resolves complex legal questions in a deliberative and timely manner, using innovation and collaboration.

Values
We value:
• Courtesy and respect
• Fairness, honesty, and ethical behavior
• A safe and healthy work environment for Commission staff
• Cooperation and collaboration
• Personal and professional development of Commission staff
• Practices that are protective of the environment and human health and are energy and resource efficient
• Efficient and high-performing governmental operations
• Transparency, accessibility, and public participation in Commission processes
Department Website: https://csm.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 (State Application) may be disqualified. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview 

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: 2/25/2026

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:

Commission on State Mandates
OHR - MAILING
Attn: DGS-OHR/Certification Unit
Department of General Services
P.O. Box 989052
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Commission on State Mandates
OHR - DROP OFF
Classification & Pay Unit
Office of Human Resources-Reception
707 3rd Street, Suite 7-130
West Sacramento, CA 95605
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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - REQUIRED – Statement of Qualifications. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section on the job advertisement for details and instructions.  
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:
• Education and License: Juris Doctor (JD) degree, valid California Bar license.
• Legal Research & Writing: Exceptional skill in legal research, synthesizing complex information, and drafting clear, persuasive legal documents on a wide variety of legal issues and areas of law.
• Oral Advocacy: Experience advocating or presenting before courts and decision-making bodies.
• Analysis and Judgment: Exceptional skill in applying legal principles, analyzing complex issues, and exercising sound judgment.
• Organization and Time Management: Excellent ability to manage workload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Confidentiality: High level of integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Word, Excel, Westlaw, and online research.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Work Ethic: Adaptability, diligence, and ability to work independently.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:

  • Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Holidays and leave
  • Defined benefit retirement program
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts


Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://csm.ca.gov/
Hiring Unit Contact:
Soroush Khanimani
(916) 323-3562
soroush.khanimani@csm.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:
EEO Main Line
(916) 376-5127
DGSEEO@dgs.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 Information

Reporting Location:

980 9th Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95814

Please specify RPA #29733 and JC-506912 on your state application.

Examination Information:

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete in the state’s merit-based recruitment and hiring process.  To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

Successful examination applicants are placed on a hiring eligibility list.  If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination.  Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareers account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and/or to re-take the examination when necessary.  

For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the DGS Examinations Unit at DGSExams@dgs.ca.gov.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Completed Examination/Employment Application (STD 678), resume, and statement of qualifications (SOQ) are required and must be included in application package or the candidate may not be considered for the position. Cover letter is optional and It may be included, however, it is not required, and it is not a replacement for the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). 

When completing the SOQ, you must title the page “Statement of Qualifications” and include your name and the Job Control number at the top of each page. You must list each question, and provide your answer below each question. Your SOQ response should be no more than two pages, using Arial 12 point font. Applications or resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the SOQ. See below for SOQ questions:

1. The attorney assignments require excellent research and writing skills to prepare quasi-judicial proposed decisions for adoption by the Commission.  Discuss your experience in applying the principles of statutory construction and analyzing and interpreting constitutional provisions, state and federal statutes, and regulations.  

2. Describe one of the most complex, difficult, politically sensitive, or high profile matters you have handled in your career with minimal supervision and explain how you handled the matter.  

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job