Job Posting: Staff Attorney for the State Labor Commissioner

Department of Industrial Relations

JC-531421
-
Staff Attorney for the State Labor Commissioner
ATTORNEY IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 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: 10/21/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under supervision of the Attorney Supervisor to the Labor Commissioner’s Office, the successful candidate will represent the LCO and act as counsel, advising the Labor Commissioner and other public agencies, on California employment law. California often leads the way with First-in-the-Nation measures to protect workers and employers. In this dynamic arena, LCO team personnel are assigned a variety of tasks such as litigation, negotiation, legislative and community liaison work, hearings, legal research, legal opinion writing on policy, precedents and appeals. The ideal candidate possesses a strong motivation to work on and contribute to labor, employment rights-related matters. The ability to travel is required for this position.

This position is in the following program areas: Legal Unit, supporting Retaliation Complaint Investigative (RCI) Unit.

***Please ensure application is complete with detailed job descriptions/tasks performed, employment beginning and ending date information, and hours worked per week. Failure to provide this information may disqualify your application.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this Attorney IV job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin: 

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1581

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

Working Conditions

Please identify in your application which office is your preference:

1. Santa Rosa
2. Oxnard
3. Van Nuys
4. Bakersfield
5. San Francisco
6. Los Angeles
7. Sacramento
8. Fresno
9. Long Beach
10. Oakland
11. San Diego
12. San Jose
13. Santa Ana
14. Salinas
15. Lodi
16. Riverside
17. San Bernardino
  • May work in high-rise building in downtown locations.
  • Must work in office. Workspace is a standard office in a smoke-free environment.
  • Incumbent must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time;
  • Incumbent must occasionally move boxes, files and office equipment.
  • As needed, an Attorney will also have contact with the general public, California State and outside legal, program, court and agency staff via phone, email, in person, via presentation, video and mail. Such contact may include general, confidential, sensitive, technical and informative materials.
  • The Attorney is expected to travel via land and air (including overnight travel out of town) and arrange schedules to perform duties and meet the objectives of the program.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-531421
Position #(s):
400-000-5780-XXX
Working Title:
Staff Attorney for the State Labor Commissioner
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV
$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A
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:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers.

Electronic Submission of Applications preferred. Application Packages maybe submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov/ Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on or before the above final filing date.

Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions” section below and ensure the following:

Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.

  • Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (cert, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.
  • Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.
  • Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.
Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Must have active membership to the California State Bar.

Type answers to the following inquiries in 12 point type, Times New Roman font. Each answer should be on a separate page and have your name and position number at the top left corner. If your answer to an inquiry is “none,” please so indicate. Your Statement of Qualifications should be five (5) pages and should be submitted with your application and resume. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered.

1. Identify up to five (5) matters in which you have served as lead counsel, including as lead trial counsel in a civil or criminal court trial or administrative hearing lasting more than one day (morning and afternoon sessions). For each matter, indicate whether it involved a trial or administrative hearing. Please format your response as follows:

Case Name/No.  Court name/location/dept.  Judge/Hearing   Officer   Dates Issues
_____________  ____________________   ____________  ______  ___________

2. Identify up to five (5) matters in which you have served as lead appellate counsel in the California Court of Appeal or in a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Please format your response as follows:

Case Name/No.   Court name    Date of decision     Cite (if any) Issues
_____________   __________   _____________    ________________

3. Describe how your experience prepares you for this position as a trial attorney doing labor law enforcement for the Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO). (Limit answer to 2 pages with line spacing of 1.5.)

4. Describe your personal mission and how it relates to the LCO’s mission and vision. (Limit answer to 2 page with line spacing of 1.5.)

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: 10/21/2026

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:

Department of Industrial Relations
Cert Mailing Address Sacramento
Attn: Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Industrial Relations
Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento
Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
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 - Please see Special requirements section of the posting for instructions on the Statement of Qualifications.
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:
Candidates with significant litigation, trial, and/or appellate experience, such as prosecutors and public defenders, are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience representing employees in Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) or Labor Code enforcement actions, labor and employment litigation, or state or federal appellate matters are also especially encouraged to apply.

Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of legal analysis, including issue-spotting, identifying and analyzing applicable legal rules, applying law to facts, and evaluating and predicting potential legal outcomes.
  • Knowledge of the rules of evidence and their application in depositions, court trials, and administrative hearings.
  • Knowledge of pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate procedures in state and federal courts.
  • Knowledge of litigation, appellate, and enforcement procedures applicable to labor and employment matters.
Skills:
  • Skilled in organizing and conducting effective direct and cross-examination of witnesses at depositions, trials, and administrative hearings.
  • Skilled in formulating and presenting persuasive legal arguments and evidence to judges, juries, arbitrators, mediators, administrative decision-makers, and opposing counsel.
  • Skilled in researching, analyzing, and presenting complex legal issues in written briefs and oral appellate argument.
  • Skilled in identifying and preserving legal issues for appeal and developing an effective appellate record.
  • Skilled in negotiating case resolutions that achieve favorable results for the client.
  • Skilled in listening to others and facilitating an open exchange of ideas to promote effective communication.
Abilities:
  • Ability to serve effectively as lead counsel in litigation, including preparing for and conducting trials, hearings, depositions, and other contested proceedings.
  • Ability to serve effectively as lead appellate counsel, including preparing appellate briefs, identifying and framing issues on appeal, and presenting effective oral argument.
  • Ability to examine witnesses on direct and cross-examination and effectively challenge opposing testimony and evidence.
  • Ability to lay the foundation for documentary evidence and expert witness testimony.
  • Ability to prepare and deliver compelling opening and closing arguments.
  • Ability to present cases effectively before state and federal courts and administrative agencies or forums.
  • Ability to develop and execute litigation strategies for cases and matters from inception through resolution, including appeal.
  • Ability to review, edit, and finalize work products prepared by clients, paraprofessionals, and other attorneys.
  • Ability to remain calm, focused, and effective under the pressure and stress of litigation and trial.
  • Ability to exercise sound legal, strategic, and professional judgment in making decisions.
  • Ability to apply professional ethical rules governing the practice of law, particularly those applicable to public attorneys.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in the handling and dissemination of information.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

  • Comprehensive health benefits package with medical, dental, and vision options.
  • Sick leave, vacation leave, or annual leave options available.
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS. Other retirement options include 401(k) and/or 457(b) participation through State of California Savings Plus program.
  • Public transportation subsidy and pre-tax parking program options.
  • The personal satisfaction of knowing that you impact the daily lives of wage earners in California.

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Certification Unit
(800) 564-0771
cert@dir.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:
Diversity and Inclusion Office
(916) 559-6999
DIO@dir.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

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification.

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

DIR Mission and Core Values

Our mission is to protect and improve the welfare and working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR is also committed to ensuring that all employers comply with labor laws in California to support a fair and thriving business environment.

Integrity - We fulfill the promise of our mission through fair, honest and ethical behavior.

Service - We are committed to responsibly serving the public and value their trust.

Respect - We treat others with dignity, courtesy and consideration.

Quality - We take pride in providing the public with accurate and timely services.

Transparency - We conduct ourselves with openness and accountability in all aspects of our work.

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