ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Attorney General Rob Bonta is the State’s chief law officer, responsible for ensuring that state laws are uniformly and adequately enforced. The Department of Justice includes over 4,000 employees who provide legal and law enforcement services to the State, including representing the People of California in civil and criminal matters before trial courts, appellate courts and the supreme courts of California and the United States, and engaging in law enforcement activities.
The Solicitor General is appointed by the Attorney General and serves as the chief appellate lawyer for the Department of Justice. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has authority and responsibility for ensuring the excellence of the Attorney General’s appellate practice. OSG participates in discretionary appellate litigation decisions, such as whether to seek review by the U.S. or California Supreme Court; prepares or oversees the preparation of petitions, briefs, and other papers filed in appellate courts; and takes a lead role in the briefing and argument of some appeals in both state and federal courts, including in some of the Department’s most complex or sensitive appellate matters. Other functions include fostering consultation and consistency on important legal issues and promoting excellence in appellate practice Department-wide.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
Under the supervision of the Principal Deputy Solicitor General and the direction of the Solicitor General, the Supervising Deputy Solicitor General participates in the work of OSG and directly supervises other OSG employees. The incumbent leads, coordinates, monitors, and reviews the work of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff assigned to the incumbent's direct supervision and may lead or coordinate the work of others as directed by the Principal Deputy. The incumbent is responsible for supervising and managing attorneys working on cases at the U.S. and California Supreme Courts, as well as the federal appellate courts, through the following: coordinating with the Solicitor General and the Principal Deputy Solicitor General on assignments for drafting and argument responsibilities in those matters; supervising the assigned legal teams; reviewing and revising draft briefs; providing training and direct supervision of attorneys preparing for oral arguments; coordinating with other sections and divisions within the Department of Justice; coordinating with client agencies and the Governor’s Office; and advising the Executive Office. In carrying out those duties, the incumbent leads, coordinates, monitors, and reviews the work of attorneys, paralegals, or support staff assigned to the incumbent’s direct supervision, and may lead or coordinate the work of others as directed by the Solicitor General or the Principal Deputy Solicitor General. The incumbent periodically prepares or participates in the preparation of performance evaluations; handles general administrative matters; assists in the review, development, and implementation of policies and procedures for or relating to OSG; and participates in the interview and selection process for other attorneys, paralegals, and staff. The incumbent also participates personally and substantially in the work of OSG, which includes briefing and arguing especially complex or sensitive appellate matters; providing advice on legal issues; identifying and coordinating positions on significant or recurrent legal issues; maintaining and fostering good communication and relationships both within OSG and with other Department components, client agencies, and others; and reviewing and assisting with appellate litigation performed throughout the Department of Justice, including advising on matters of appellate practice and procedure. In addition, the incumbent provides team members with training and periodically prepares or participates in the preparation of performance evaluations.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
This is a hybrid position with the opportunity to work remotely or in the office on most days, but some regular required in-office attendance. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be required for court appearances, meetings, and other occasional operational needs.