Job Posting: Graduate Legal Assistant

Office of Tax Appeals

JC-517116
-
Graduate Legal Assistant
GRADUATE LEGAL ASSISTANT

$5,227.00 - $6,550.00 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: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 4.62-percent reduction in pay in exchange for 8 hours per month of PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement does not reflect the 4.62 percent reduction in pay.

It is important to read this advertisement in its entirety.  You are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this position.  The SOQ instructions and required statements are listed at the bottom of this posting.  Applications received without an SOQ or with an SOQ that does not comply with the instructions will be disqualified.

Under the close supervision of attorneys for the Business Taxes Section of the Foundations Division, the Graduate Legal Assistant (GLA) primarily works on less complex tax appeals involving Business Tax appeals of actions of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). The incumbent may also assist with the least difficult Franchise and Income Tax appeals of actions of the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), including Small Case Program appeals. The incumbent assists with reviewing incoming appeals for eligibility to participate in the Small Case Program, and assists with the monthly Precedential case review process to determine eligibility of legal Opinions for precedential status. The incumbent drafts opinions and memorandums and presents the Foundations Division’s opinion to Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers in the Hearings Division of the Office of Tax Appeals (OTA).

Looking for a State Job? - Review the 3 Steps To A State Job webpage and be sure to complete the exam/assessment and state application before applying for this position.

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-517116
Position #(s):
292-501-5797-001
Working Title:
Graduate Legal Assistant
Classification:
GRADUATE LEGAL ASSISTANT
$5,227.00 - $6,550.00

Salary rate will be non-negotiable for selected candidates new to state service.

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
Facility:
App Drop Off
Work Shift:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Work Week:
Monday to Friday

Department Information

BUILD A DEPARTMENT…BUILD YOUR FUTURE!! Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you like a challenge? Do you set standards for yourself and enjoy working in a fast-paced, evolving organization with great potential for personal development? The Office of Tax Appeals is looking for a person like you who will help build a team and influence the organization’s culture for years to come.


Come join our team, apply today!

Special Requirements

This position is located at 400 R Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

This position is limited term and may be extended up to 24 months. Incumbents must secure a valid license issued by the California State Bar Association within 24 months of an appointment or the employment may be terminated.

Application cut off dates when sets of applications are reviewed: 5/18/26, 5/28/26, 6/8/26, 6/18/26

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:
  • Include JC-517116 in the "Examination or Job Title" section of the State application (STD.678) when submitting a hard copy application.
  • Resume is required and must be included. 
  • Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. This SOQ serves as a narrative discussion to illustrate how the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills have prepared you for this position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present a written response to the following prompts, both clearly and concisely. The written response should be typed and no more than one (1) page in total length, double spaced, and 12-point font. Please answer the SOQs below:

    1. Please closely review the desirable qualifications in the job bulletin. Next, considering your qualifications and the other jobs that you applied for recently, please explain why the Office of Tax Appeals would be the best job for you.

    2. Please explain your long-term career goals and explain how working for the Office of Tax Appeals in the field of Tax Law as an attorney upon admittance to the California Bar fits in with your intended long term career trajectory.

    Applicants who do not include a Statement of Qualifications will not be considered for the interview process.  Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of SOQs.

    Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through Calcareers.ca.gov is preferred.  Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

    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.

    This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code and is responsible for making or participating in the making of government 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. Failure to comply with the Conflict-of-Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

    Additional hires may be made from this job bulletin if positions become available.

    Application Instructions

    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: Until Filled

    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:

    Office of Tax Appeals
    Postal
    Attn: Bailey Jorgeson JC-517116
    P.O. Box 989880
    West Sacramento, CA 95798-9880

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

    Office of Tax Appeals
    App Drop Off
    Bailey Jorgeson JC-517116
    400 R Street
    Suite 360
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    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 -
      Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. This SOQ serves as a narrative discussion to illustrate how the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills have prepared you for this position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present a written response to the following prompts, both clearly and concisely. The written response should be typed and no more than one (1) page in total length, double spaced, and 12-point font. Please answer the SOQs below:

      1. Please closely review the desirable qualifications in the job bulletin. Next, considering your qualifications and the other jobs that you applied for recently, please explain why the Office of Tax Appeals would be the best job for you.

      2. Please explain your long-term career goals and explain how working for the Office of Tax Appeals in the field of Tax Law as an attorney upon admittance to the California Bar fits in with your intended long term career trajectory.


      Applicants who do not include a Statement of Qualifications will not be considered for the interview process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of SOQs.
    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:
    • Recent graduate, or soon to be graduate, from an ABA accredited law school (2025 or 2026) or recent graduate from an LL.M. in Taxation Program (2026).
    • Not admitted to practice in California.
    • Candidate plans to take the July 2026 California Bar Exam.
    • Demonstrated interest in state and local tax, such as by tax classes, VITA, law school clinics, internships, clerkships, summer associate positions, etc.
    • Demonstrated interest in administrative law.
    • Law review or law journal experience in any field.
    • Strong writing skills and attention to detail, as reflected in a narrowly tailored, concise, and specific Statement of Qualifications.
    • Strong legal research and legal writing skills.
    • College level degree in English, Accounting, Taxation, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
    • CPA license, LL.M. in taxation, or graduate level tax or accounting degree is a bonus.

    Benefits

    For information regarding available employee benefits, please visit the California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary page on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: California Employee Benefits Summary.

    Contact Information

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

    Human Resources Contact:
    Human Resources Department
    (916) 620-2857
    ota_hr@ota.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Andrew Kwee
    (916) 292-1158
    andrew.kwee@ota.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:
    Rubena Khan
    (916) 282-1434
    rubena.khan@ota.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 Application Information

    Please do not include personal information on your application, resume or Statement of Qualifications (social security number, date of birth, marital status, etc.)

    In the "Employment History" section of the application, you must list your current employment history by providing the "to" and "from" dates with month, day and year, the hours per week worked, which should be a whole number and not a range, and the total time worked (years/months).

    Applicants must complete the "Duties Performed" section on the application.  Applications with "see resume" are not acceptable.  Applications received without all information will be considered incomplete and will not be screened for the interview process.

     

    A completed Employment Application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (i.e., unofficial transcripts, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers account.


    Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (certification list, transfer, reinstatement, State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) and/Surplus eligibility) in the "Explanations" section located on the first page of your STD. 678.

    Remove and do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed STD. 678.  This page is for examination use only.

    This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code and is responsible for making or participating in the making of government 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.  Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

    Graduate Legal Assistant Exam Information

    Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for the Graduate Legal Assistant classification and have certification (reachable) list eligibility, transfer eligibility, reinstatement rights, SROA, and/or Surplus eligibility (attach letter if applicable) or reinstatement rights.

     

    Candidates who have list eligibility (or are in the process of obtaining list eligibility) may also apply.  To obtain list eligibility, please review the following list bulletin: Graduate Legal Assistant

     

    Candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    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