This position qualifies for a 'Hire Above Minimum' (HAM) Salary. The starting salary for range A is $8,588 and the starting salary for range B is $9,666. Range placement is dependent on experience & qualifications.
Note: Candidates must have an active membership with the State Bar of California before a tentative offer can be made. Candidates who do not have active State Bar membership at the time of applying, must demonstrate how they intend to qualify for active State Bar membership on their application.
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 in the Legal Service Unit. 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.
The Legal Services Unit is comprised of a team of transactional attorneys and support staff. Provides in-house legal review, advice and counseling to internal business programs. In-house representation includes negotiating and reviewing contracts; collections; evaluating and creating legislation, statutes and regulations; advising CalSTRS staff and executive management on the Teachers' Retirement Law; felony forfeiture; and providing general legal support. Attorneys also work with outside counsel on various transactional and litigation matters, including transactional real estate matters and subrogation claims. Attorneys may assist other legal units on an as-needed basis.
Under the direction of the Assistant General Counsel and administrative direction of the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, the Staff Counsel performs professional legal work on a broad range of legal issues. The Attorney is considered a developmental classification for persons qualified to practice law in the State of California. The Attorney acts in a generalist capacity as in-house counsel and provides client-centered legal services and counsel regarding a broad array of different legal issues arising in connection with all CalSTRS operations, programs, and functions. The Attorney provides direct support to the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel on assigned legal matters.
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.
Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions on the job advertisement and apply now.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
