Description of Series

Under general direction, incumbents serve as exclusive experts in a complex and difficult area of law independently perform the most difficult and complex legal work and litigation which requires the highest level of expertise; represent and act as counsel for state departments,  boards and commissions whose legal work is exceptionally difficult, and advise district attorneys, county counsels, grand juries, and other public agencies staffed primarily by attorneys, assigned litigation of the greatest difficulty; handle cases that may be appealed to the highest courts; and act in a lead capacity over the work of other attorneys and staff.

Attorneys at this level are recognized as having an exceptional level of expertise that distinguishes them in a special field of knowledge and may serve as the department's top expert in an exclusive area of law. Work at this level involves innovative theories, practices of law, specialization in an area of law overseen by or involving the department, and requiring contact with the legislature, high level gubernatorial appointees, constitutional officers, or their designee, and/or the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

Eight years of legal experience in the practice of law*, two years of which must have been at a level equivalent to an Attorney IV or higher.

Knowledge and Abilities

There are distinct increases in the complexity of knowledge and abilities, the scope of work and effect on programs and services provided and performed as incumbents advance through this classification series.  Incumbents are expected to use the increasing knowledge, abilities, and experiences to perform increasingly difficult and complex legal duties effectively.

Knowledge of: Legal research methods and performing research; legal principles and their application; scope and character of California statutory law and of the provisions of the California Constitution; federal and state statutes and rules; rules of professional conduct; principles of administrative trial and hearing procedure and rules of evidence; court procedures; legal terms and forms in common use; statutory and case law literature and authorities; professional and ethical rules as they relate to the practice of law; appellate proceedings; rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts of California and the United States and before administrative bodies; and provisions of laws and Government Code sections administered or enforced.

Ability to: Research; analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; prepare and present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; prepare correspondence and memoranda involving the explanation of legal matters; draft opinions, pleadings, rulings, regulations, and legislation; negotiate effectively and conduct crucial litigation; work cooperatively with a variety of individuals, organizations and maintain the confidence and respect of others; independently present difficult and complex cases before Administrative Law Judges; prepare, present, and handle legal cases; direct the work of clerical and professional assistants; edit written documents written by oneself, as well as those produced by others, for accuracy and effectiveness; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; reason logically; exercise good judgment; effectively plan and engage in discovery, including depositions and interrogatories, and to compel production or attendance of/at same; independently prepare and present difficult and complex cases before boards, commissions, trial courts, and appellate courts; independently present difficult and complex cases before administrative bodies.