The Health, Education & Welfare Section (HEW) actively recruits highly qualified attorneys to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, where they frequently handle high-profile and impactful legal matters while serving the public interest. Attorneys provide legal advice and representation to the Governor, Attorney General, and Directors of over 30 state agencies, including the Departments of Health Care Services, Public Health, State Hospitals, Social Services, and Education. HEW’s litigation includes constitutional law and statutory interpretation; actions for declaratory and injunctive relief; writ petitions; and civil complaints challenging state laws, regulations, and agency decisions. Representation includes appearances in state and federal courts.
This position offers the opportunity to litigate novel and consequential cases—including First Amendment and Due Process challenges to state education and health policies, and cutting-edge disputes under federal statutes such as Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. HEW attorneys are currently defending and prosecuting major federal actions involving the intersection of civil rights, education law, and federal spending power, including matters that have drawn national attention and gone to the highest levels of the federal courts.
If you have superior research and writing skills, and can handle complex legal arguments across multiple matters, this section offers an unparalleled opportunity to do meaningful, precedent-setting work on behalf of the State of California and the millions of people it serves.
HEW deputies may largely choose whether to telework or come into the office. There are times when in-office attendance may be required, such as for in-person meetings or operational reasons. In addition, court appearances, hearings, oral arguments, mediations, and other proceedings require in-person attendance. Deputies are also expected to be able to report to the office if an urgent need arises, and, whether teleworking or in the office, are expected to be available for meetings and to promptly respond to emails and phone calls during regular business hours.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
All applicants must reside in California and be members in good standing of the California State Bar. This is a hybrid position with the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, with two-to-three in-person days required each month. Travel and in-person attendance may be required for trials, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, and operationally as needed.
