Job Posting: CEA (Level C) Deputy Chief Counsel

California Civil Rights Department

JC-531349
-
CEA (Level C) Deputy Chief Counsel
C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $21,370.00 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: 10/8/2026

Job Description and Duties

In July 2025 the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025.  This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits.  This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027.  The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.  

 

It is important to read this advertisement in its entirety.  You are required to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) as this is an examination.  You may access the SOQ information below.  Applications received without an SOQ, as instructed, will be disqualified.

 

Under the general direction and supervision of the Chief Counsel of the Civil Rights Department (CRD or Department), the Deputy Chief Counsel supports the Chief Counsel in direction, oversight, and administration of the Legal Division. The Deputy Chief Counsel serves as a legal advisor and thought partner to the Chief Counsel; plans and orchestrates training for Legal Division staff; creates and updates Legal Division policies; serves as the direct supervisor of the Legal Division’s supervising investigators and General Counsel; provides support as needed for the Legal Division’s most complex litigation; and performs other duties as directed by the Chief Counsel.

 

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

Working Conditions

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

  • Requires daily use of a personal computer and related software applications at a workstation.
  • Requires ability to complete tasks that typically may require making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties, with or without reasonable accommodations and modifications to facilitate such tasks.
  • Requires prolonged use of a workstation for 6.5 to 7 hours per day.
  • Requires dependability and excellent attendance records.

Requires occasional travel to attend meetings and trainings.

This position will be located in Sacramento, Oakland, or Los Angeles, depending upon the location of the successful candidate.

This position is hybrid and may require the selected candidate to report in person up to 4 days a week in accordance with Department policy.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-531349
Position #(s):
326-410-7500-001
Working Title:
CEA (Level C) Deputy Chief Counsel
Classification:
C. E. A.
$10,349.00 - $21,370.00 C
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time
Work Shift:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Week:
Monday-Friday

Department Information

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces the state’s robust civil rights laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, the Disabled Persons Act, the Ralph Civil Rights Act, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

 

CRD has jurisdiction over complaints against public and private entities operating in California.  With offices in six locations throughout California, CRD receives, investigates, and initiates individual and systemic discrimination complaints.  CRD’s Legal Division provides strategic guidance in complex investigations; litigates individual and pattern-or-practice cases in state and federal courts throughout the state; and provides general counsel support to the Department.  CRD’s Legal Division employs approximately seventy-five attorneys and staff throughout California.  

  • This position requires a California State Bar License.  You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to behing hired.

 

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be invited to interview for this position.  However, upon receiving a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Department Website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/

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: 10/8/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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:

California Civil Rights Department
Human Resources
Attn: Linda Critchfield
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

California Civil Rights Department
Human Resources
Linda Critchfield
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
08:00 AM - 04:00 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 -

    Candidates are required to complete a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to completing a standard State application.  Only candidates who submit all required documents by the final filing date will be considered.  Resumes or cover letters DO NOT take the place of the SOQ.  Applications without the SOQ will not be considered.  Please see the SOQ instructions below for content and formatting information.

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.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

  1. Knowledge of the organization and functions of the California State Government, including the organization and practices of the Legislature and Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management, techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s equal employment opportunity objectives; and a manager’s role in the equal employment opportunity program.
  2. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures, and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top-level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with all levels of government, the public, and the Legislative and Executive Branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s equal employment opportunity objectives.
  3. Exceptional leadership and organizational skills, knowledge of and experience with civil rights laws, ability to manage conflict and sensitive issues, openness to feedback, ability to manage multiple priorities, ability to use sound judgment, and the ability to work with people, including opposing counsel, in a professional and civil manner.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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:
  1. Commitment – A strong desire to uphold the civil rights laws enforced by the Civil Rights Department; a commitment to justice and fairness.

 

  1. Leadership – Ability to embrace a leader’s role and continuously model the behaviors, traits, values and characteristics of a successful leader, which include: integrity, accountability and ethical behavior; promotion of the mission and vision of the Department; setting and attaining goals; creating a clear sense of purpose; managing change; creativity and innovation; and strategic planning.  

 

  1. Communication Skills – Ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident and convincing manner; and to receive, attend to, interpret and respond in ways that are appropriate to listeners and situations.  

 

  1. Decision making – Make informed decisions through the use of data, research, analysis, and input from team members and key stakeholders; make difficult decisions in accordance with good public policy and an understanding of consequences of actions.  

 

  1. Teamwork – Ability to continuously inspire, motivate, and coach diverse work teams to achieve goals; collaborate to achieve common goals and objectives; use effective consultation and negotiation skills, and create a work culture that attracts and retains diverse and talented people.

 

  1. Public Service Orientation – An understanding of the importance to the public and the need to be timely and accurate in addressing stakeholder needs; the importance of representing the department in a professional and respectful manner.  

 

Examination Information

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:

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.

Department Website: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Linda Critchfield
(916) 220-0263
Linda.Critchfield@CalCivilRights.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jamie Crook
(916) 809-5274
Jamie.Crook@calcivilrights.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 OFFICER
(213) 723-6024
brenda.valle-balderrama@calcivilrights.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.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Do not submit a cover letter. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s skills, relevant experience, and ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please answer each question separately. Your response to these questions should be no longer, cumulatively, than eight pages in length, using double-spacing, 1-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font.  Your CalCareers ID and Job Control number should appear on the document.  Your SOQ will be considered the first phase of the hiring process for this position.  Applicants will be screened; only those most qualified will be called for an interview.  Resumes and cover letters do not take the place of the SOQ.  


STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS QUESTIONS

1.    Why are you interested in serving as the Deputy Chief Counsel for the California Civil Rights Department? 

2.    Describe your background in litigating civil rights cases, including under the laws that the Civil Rights Department has jurisdiction to enforce. Please include any experience with case initiation, dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeals. If applicable, please include in your answer experience litigating group/class, class action, and/or multi-plaintiff cases.

3.    Describe your experience applying the California Public Records Act and/or any equivalent state or federal laws governing access to public records.

4.    Describe your experience with and approach to supervising attorneys and legal professionals. Please address in your answer your experience mentoring, providing positive and constructive feedback, conducting performance evaluations, and preparing trainings. 

5.    This position may share responsibility for interacting with the leadership of other divisions within the Civil Rights Department as well as the department’s oversight agency and the Governor’s Office. Describe your experience engaging with outside stakeholders on complex or sensitive issues.

6.    Describe any experience you have serving in an in-house counsel capacity, including providing legal advice in legal ethics and compliance.

 

 

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