Deputy Attorney III (will consider DA)

Job Description and Duties

Are you looking to join a dynamic legal practice providing full service support, advice, and representation to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).  The transportation sector touches all aspects of daily life and the economy, in California and nationally.  Caltrans is responsible for 50,000 lane miles of highway and employs 22,000 people throughout the state.  To support such an extensive enterprise, Caltrans’ Legal Division is comprised of nearly 127 attorneys in five offices statewide including its headquarters office near the State Capitol in Sacramento and branches in Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Fresno.  We are looking for well-qualified and highly motivated individuals at all our office locations.  

Practice areas include: Tort, Eminent Domain, Inverse Condemnation, Environmental Law, Employment, Construction Contract Disputes, Appellate Practice, in-house transactional work and more.  Our attorneys represent the Department in State and Federal courts in all phases of litigation, including trial and appellate work. They also advise and assist the Department in delivering projects. Junior attorneys are assigned to a practice group and trained in all aspects of the practice. They are given early exposure to discovery and trial preparation as well as legal research and drafting pleadings. Mid-level attorneys are expected to handle all aspects of a case including taking and defending depositions, taking cases to trial as first or second chair counsel, and appellate work. All employees receive training in Department policies and practices along with continuing legal education.

Our overall environment is both supportive and challenging where staff is given substantial responsibility at every stage of their career.

As an employee of the State of California, the Caltrans Legal Division offers excellent compensation and benefits packages.  This includes holidays, vacation, and sick leave (or annual leave) and health, dental, vision and pension benefits.

Working Conditions

Positions are located in Sacramento, Fresno, Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. 

In-person Application Drop-off Location:

Candidates can drop off a State application (STD. 678) or complete one at the event on March 15th between 9am to 3pm. If successful in meeting the minimum qualifications, an interview may be conducted on the same day March 15th. If you apply electronically or by mail, your application will be considered in the same manner as those that apply in-person. 

In Person Hiring Event:

Wednesday March 15, 2023

9:00am - 3:00PM

Caltrans District Office
1352 W. Olive Avenue
Fresno, CA 93778

While at their base of operation, employees will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However, due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate.  Will have to perform work duties in different court rooms throughout the state and therefore, this position does require travel.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s current telework policy. While Caltrans 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. The selected candidate may be required to conduct business travel on behalf of the Department or commute to the headquartered location. Business travel reimbursements considers an employee’s designated Headquarters Location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions.  All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

This advertisement is posted as until filled. Applications will be reviewed on the 1st business day of each month, and selections can be made. However, the job control will remain open until the vacancy is filled. If a selection is not made, applications submitted after the cut-off date will be reviewed and may be considered for the position.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.