State of California
posted 4 months ago
The Health, Education, and Welfare section (HEW) of the Department of Justice is seeking motivated law school graduates to join our team as Graduate Legal Assistants. This role is pivotal in supporting HEW attorneys who represent over 30 state agencies responsible for administering California's educational, health, and welfare programs. The work we do is crucial in safeguarding the availability and distribution of essential state benefits and resources, including Medi-Cal, unemployment benefits, CalWorks, In-Home Supportive Services, and public K-12 education. Our cases often involve novel, impactful, and high-profile issues, including actions for declaratory and injunctive relief, writ petitions, civil complaints challenging state laws, regulations, and orders, appeals of agency decisions, and litigation aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those residing in skilled nursing facilities. As a Graduate Legal Assistant, you will work closely under the supervision of licensed attorneys, engaging in a variety of legal tasks that include analyzing legal issues, conducting routine legal research, and preparing and drafting legal documents, memoranda, and letters. You will also assist attorneys with legislative matters, investigations, client advisory work, and the preparation and presentation of cases before courts and administrative bodies. This position requires managing a challenging workload and producing high-quality work products, often under tight deadlines. During your tenure, you are expected to develop your skills and knowledge to reach the performance level of a Deputy Attorney General and to pass the California State Bar within 12 months of your appointment. This is a hybrid position, allowing for a combination of remote work and in-office attendance, with two to three in-person days required each month. Travel and in-person attendance may also be necessary for trials, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, and other operational needs. We encourage candidates who are eager to engage in a fast-paced career that involves significant and meaningful work defending California's vital policies and programs to apply.