Job Posting: Staff Counsel Legal Services

State Teachers' Retirement System

JC-535927
-
Staff Counsel Legal Services
ATTORNEY III

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 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: 11/3/2026

Job Description and Duties

Learn more about CalSTRS culture on LinkedIn

This position qualifies for a 'Hire Above Minimum' (HAM) Salary. The starting salary will be $12,046. 

***THIS POSITION REQUIRES AN ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP WITH THE CALIFORNIA STATE BAR.

Are you an attorney interested in public service? Are you eager to grow and develop as part of a diverse and experienced team of attorneys? If so, the California State Teachers' Retirement System Office of the General Counsel is currently accepting applications for an Attorney III. Join a team that takes pride in developing expert attorneys who are committed to securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California’s educators. 

Under the direction of the Teachers' Retirement Board and the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Office of the General Counsel provides advice on legal issues as they affect the overall programs and policies of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), manages CalSTRS legal program, and represents the System in litigation, appeals, and other legal matters. The Office of the General Counsel is comprised of multiple highly visible and complex business areas: Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability (OLEA), Enterprise Information Management & Legal Operations, Information Security Office, Legal Services, Investment Counsel, and Litigation Services.

Under the general direction of the General Counsel, the Attorney III acts as the Special Counsel and provides direct legal support for the General Counsel across a broad range of legal issues and tasks and operates at the full journey level. The incumbent performs detailed legal research, analysis, drafts legal documents, memos, written analyses, articles, and presentations. The Special Counsel provides legal advice and analysis on the more complex legal matters arising in connection with CalSTRS’ activities, including, board governance, fiduciary duties, securities litigation, benefits, financial and investment issues, compliance with laws relating to public agencies, legislation and regulations, conflict of interest, public record access, confidentiality, contracting, work authorization and business immigration, and personnel issues including investigations, reasonable accommodations, and other labor and employment legal issues.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
  • Strong skills related to statutory interpretation and analysis and legislative history
  • Ability to explain complex legal issues to CalSTRS employees, the Teachers’ Retirement Board, CalSTRS members, and the public
  • Strong organizational skills, the ability to set priorities when faced with conflicting demands, being able to effectively manage multiple projects, and meeting deadlines within challenging and strict time constraints while working under pressure
  • Ability to apply excellent time management skills that result in an efficient use of time to complete projects, prioritizing competing assignments, and meeting all deadlines for those assignments
  • Excellent communication and active listening skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with other CalSTRS employees, our members and their beneficiaries
  • Exhibits a professional demeanor at all times, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations
  • Ability to foster teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect across CalSTRS business areas, while taking pride in contributing to shared goals
  • Ability to analyze complex statutory programs, statutory requirements outside of the Teachers’ Retirement Law, reviewing documents, and providing clear and concise written communication
Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program 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 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.


Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

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

Working Conditions

CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.


All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

 

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-535927
Position #(s):
815-102-5795-009
Working Title:
Staff Counsel Legal Services
Classification:
ATTORNEY III
$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 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:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

CalSTRS: Securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of California’s educators

CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world, providing retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California's more than 1 million public school educators and their families. Named as one of the best places to work in money management ten times by Pensions & Investments magazine, we are a world-class financial services institution with a commitment to sustainability and wellness.

Our two U.S. Green Building LEED Platinum-certified headquarters buildings in West Sacramento, California, feature sustainable construction, abundant natural lighting, an organic garden, sustainable beekeeping and ergonomic functionally designed workspaces. We offer a variety of on-site amenities to our team members, including two full-service cafés, two free fitness centers, a bicycle rental library and a child care center with a covered playground. Team members enjoy walks along the Sacramento River and nearby seasonal farmers markets.

In addition to our state-of-the-art amenities, we offer thriving wellness and sustainability programs, an award-winning employee recognition program, and ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. We offer competitive benefits, flexible work hours and hybrid work options. We are committed to creating a workplace where our team members thrive.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career and are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, expertise and wellness are valued, we encourage you to find out more about our many career options at CalSTRS.com/Careers.

Learn more about CalSTRS culture on LinkedIn

Special Requirements

Exam

This position requires a current Attorney III examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility.
 
CalSTRS Personal Trading Program

Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements 

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

Incompatible Activities

This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990. Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.

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: 11/3/2026

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:

State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
Attn: Recruitment
P.O. Box 15275, MS 31
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
CalSTRS, Attn: Recruitment
100 Waterfront Place
West Sacramento, CA 95605
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.
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.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include:

  • Alternative work schedules
  • Flexible work hours
  • Remote work options
  • Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid holidays and a defined benefit retirement program
  • More than four weeks of vacation/sick leave for leaders
  • More than three weeks of vacation/sick leave for staff
  • Health insurance in retirement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

For the latest information on the benefits offered by the state of California, explore the Health Benefits Summary provided by CalHR.

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact:
Recruitment
(916) 414-4990
Recruitment@CalSTRS.com

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) 414-4933
EEOMailbox@calstrs.com
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 INSTRUCTIONS

  • Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: RPA: 1171, JC-535927.
  • If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your transcripts/degree.
  • Training and Development (T&D) assignments may be considered for this position. If you are applying as a T&D, please indicate this in the eligibility section of your application.
  • Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
  • Submission of an incomplete STD 678 may result in disqualification. 

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
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