Job Posting: Civil Rights Enforcement Section - Graduate Legal Assistant

Department of Justice

JC-532808
-
Civil Rights Enforcement Section - 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: 10/15/2026

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking for a unique opportunity earlier in your legal career to practice at the vanguard of American law? Step into a role where you can help preserve and advance California values of equity, inclusion, and fundamental fairness under law. The Civil Rights Enforcement Section is seeking attorneys who are not just looking for a job, but who wish to join a dynamic and effective team working every day to protect the civil liberties of nearly 40 million people. This is a unique chance for attorneys in the earlier part of their careers (at the DAG and DAG III level) to spend the next one to two years participating in the nation's most sophisticated civil rights practice, handling work that includes litigating cutting edge federalism issues, engaging in systemic equity investigations, and driving policy through legislation, regulatory, and other actions. Some examples of the Section's recent work include challenging national guard deployment; litigating to protect birthright citizenship; challenging the freezing of billions in federal government funds for childcare and family assistance programs;-and challenging the termination, freezing, and conditions placed on federal funding; inspecting and reporting on the conditions of immigration detention facilities; ensuring education equity through investigations and litigation; and filing amicus briefs on crucial federalism issues. Join us and help define what justice looks like in the 21st century.

The Civil Rights Enforcement Section within the Public Rights Division specializes in comprehensive systemic oversight investigations, litigation against the federal government to challenge federal overreach and unconstitutional actions, tackling complex issues relating to racial justice, disability rights, children's rights, and the full spectrum of other civil rights issues. We play a pivotal role in serving as appellate counsel for the California Civil Rights Department and advising numerous other state agencies on matters of state and federal importance. Whether acting in the Attorney General's independent capacity or representing state agencies, CRES is dedicated to dismantling implicit and explicit bias in governmental services and upholding the promise of equal protection for all.

Graduate Legal Assistants (GLAs) who are part of the Cvil Rights Enforcement Section, work as part of a dynamic legal team committed to public service. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, GLAs will have the opportunity to work on substantive legal matters of public interest and importance. They conduct legal and other research and assist in preparing a variety of legal documents, including briefs, memoranda and legislative analyses, often under tight deadlines, for client agencies or the Attorney General and other constitutional officers.


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

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on DOJ's current telework policy. While DOJ supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-532808
Position #(s):
420-470-5797-XXX
Working Title:
Civil Rights Enforcement Section - Graduate Legal Assistant
Classification:
GRADUATE LEGAL ASSISTANT
$5,227.00 - $6,550.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

  • These positions are located in the Division of Public Rights, Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and may be filled in San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, or San Diego. This JC is in connection with JC-532535. If you have a CA Bar license, please apply to JC-532535. 
  • These are 12-month limited term positions, but may be extended to a maximum of 24 months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs. 
  • Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
  • For more information about the department, please visit the Attorney General’s website at http://www.oag.ca.gov.

Special Requirements

  • A fingerprint check will be required.
  • JC-532808 must be clearly stated in the "Examination or Job Title(s) for which you are Applying" section located on page one of your state application.
  • Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the California Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at https://oag.ca.gov/careers/exams.
  • The GLA examination may be found on-line at CalCareers
  • GLA appointments are 12-month limited term, but may be converted to the DAG classification upon passing the CA State Bar and successful work performance. This subsequent appointment to the DAG classification will continue on a limited-term basis, but may become permanent based on operational needs, as noted in the Department Information section above.

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: 10/15/2026

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 Justice
OHR-Nicole Farrah
Attn: Nicole Farrah (JC-532808)
1300 I Street, 7th 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 Justice
OHR-Nicole Farrah
Nicole Farrah (JC-532808)
1300 I Street, 7th Floor
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.
  • Other - Writing sample, consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief is required. 
  • Statement of Qualifications - A statement of qualifications as described below. 
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:

A demonstrated interest in public service; a strong academic record at an accredited law school; journal, moot court and/or mock trial experience; and excellent writing skills. Candidates should be highly motivated to work on civil rights matters. Candidates should be well organized and detail oriented, and be able to work under tight deadlines and pressure. We are seeking candidates who have a positive attitude, are team players, have an excellent work ethic, and are willing and able to take direction. The ability to work well with a variety of personalities is crucial. This candidate should have strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to provide competent and reliable service to a large number of state client agencies and their in-house counsel in litigation settings. Candidates are expected to behave with the highest level of professionalism, including in high-stress situations, and be able to foster and maintain good relations with clients and deputies within the section.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact:
Nicole Farrah
(916) 210-7259
Nicole.Farrah@doj.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
(916) 210-7580
EERROffice@doj.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


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. Considering the Job Description and Duties and the Desirable Qualifications for this position, address the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in civil rights legal work with the California Department of Justice?

2. Describe and explain your knowledge of any areas of substantive civil rights law. In your response, include any experience you have that demonstrates the extent, depth, and breadth of your knowledge.

3. Describe your experience with litigation, including at least two litigation matters you recently worked on and your specific responsibilities related to each matter.

 

Provide a written narrative for each question in separate, clearly labeled sections. Your response must be a typed, 2-3 page document, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font.

Additional Application Filing Information

Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date. If you are mailing your application, as a courtesy we ask that you contact the HR Consultant listed to confirm your application has been received. This is not required, but highly encouraged so we can ensure the timely submission of your application.

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