Attorney IV

Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, and Assistant Chief Counsels, the Attorney IV, using broad discretion and working independently, will serve as the Department of Developmental Services (Department) subject matter legal expert of the California Public Records Act (PRA). Core responsibilities include review of complex PRA requests, analysis of applicable legal objections and exemptions to document requests, de-identification and legal review of data extractions prior to production of records, lead training to regional center and Department staff, the Executive team and other communities and analyzing statutory changes applicable to data and information disclosure. The Attorney IV will collaborate with the Department's Information and Technology Division and other program staff regarding the foregoing duties. The Attorney IV will communicate with Executive team, the Health and Human Services Agency, and the Governor's office (as necessary) regarding high-profile PRA matters. The Attorney IV will collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General and regional center counsel (as necessary) in defending the Department in lawsuits brought under the PRA. The Attorney IV will also serve as lead or assist in complex issues facing the Department, including but not limited to, review of subpoenas and ensuring appropriate compliance, representing the Department in Superior Courts in conservatorship matters and matters before administrative bodies, reviewing and drafting opinions in administrative appellate reviews, handling transactional matters, and advising on admissions to Department facilities for competency treatment or acute crisis care. Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of 4.62 percent in exchange for eight hours per month of the Personal Leave. The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $13,313.00 for the Analyst IV classification. This position is eligible for geographic retention pay differential of $250.00 per month. Maintain normal and consistent work hours, averaging 40 hours per week. Work in excess of 40 hours is expected when necessary to complete assignments in a timely manner. This position is expected to be in the office on Wednesdays and at least one additional day of the week. This position must be available to clients between the core working hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless official state business requires them to be elsewhere. If unavailable during core working hours, the incumbent must be available by phone. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement . As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below: State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026 Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

ATTORNEY IV

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:

Knowledge of:

Conducting legal research and preparing all products. Timely open and close assigned cases and maintain case files on all assigned matters. Submit updated monthly reports to the Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsels.

Ability to:

Interact independently, professionally, and courteously with departmental Executive team and multiple program managers while performing multiple tasks that often require stringent deadlines; communicate effectively in writing and audibly in person, through the use of documents and electronic devices. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, Abode, and all other computer tools, programs, or systems utilized by the Office of Legal Affairs, handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize workloads.