Deputy/Associate General Counsel

Overview

Position: Deputy/Associate General Counsel
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Remote, various locations throughout California
Salary Range: $151,714.85 - $193,713.06 annually (Range M20, Steps 1-3: $151,714.85 - $167,293.97)
Application Review Begins: July 31, 2026 (position open until filled)

Position Summary

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel provides legal services and advice on a broad range of legal matters related to the operation of the college. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, researching statutes and case law, advising college departments, and developing policies and procedures. This role supports the General Counsel and handles complex, sensitive assignments with college-wide impact.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Counsel in addressing legal issues for departments, the Executive Team, and the Board of Trustees.
• Assist in managing the college's legal affairs, including civil litigation, administrative hearings, contract drafting and review, and policy development.
• Draft and amend policies, regulations, and procedures ensuring legal compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Attend Board of Trustees meetings in the absence of the General Counsel.
• Provide legal counsel on labor/employment, public contracting, student conduct, data privacy, ethics, open meeting laws, public records, and higher education policies.
• Manage evidentiary and document requests such as subpoenas, discovery requests, California Public Records Act requests, and deposition notices.
• Represent the college in mediation, arbitration, administrative hearings, and judicial proceedings as needed.
• Prepare and review complex legal documents including contracts, board policies, administrative procedures, and resolutions.
• Present legal items to the Board of Trustees for approval or action.
• Assist with risk management and resolution of complex legal disputes, including regulatory and governmental matters.
• Support property acquisition and facilities planning, including handling legal disputes related to construction.
• Draft and distribute legal communications for the college.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on diversity, ADA, FEHA, equal opportunity, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and compliance issues.
• Assist with personnel investigations, employee relations, recruitment, and screening to maintain compliance with diversity and equity programs.
• Coordinate attendance at administrative hearings, settlement conferences, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Monitor interactive processes with Human Resources and General Counsel.
• Partner with General Counsel to conduct training on legal issues, legislation, court decisions, and trends.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Attend in-person meetings and events as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, organize legal tasks, and set priorities.
• Knowledge of legal record and file management.
• Understanding of litigation best practices.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Effective communication with diverse stakeholders familiar with California’s Community College System.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills for legal and policy matters.
• Proficiency with modern office equipment and software.
• Sensitivity and respect for diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, cultural, disability, and sexual orientation backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work cooperatively with college departments and the public.
• Experience investigating and assessing litigation and legal issues.
• Ability to provide input on outside counsel performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible legal experience, including at least two (2) years in California in areas relevant to public agencies or higher education.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California and current license to practice law in California.
• Experience working with California Community College Districts is highly desirable.

Working Conditions and Travel

• The college operates as a statewide online institution; all instruction and support are remote.
• Administrative offices are located in Sacramento and available for use.
• Occasional travel may be required for in-person meetings, trainings, or conferences.
• Employees must be able to use digital communication tools and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Access to a vehicle for local travel may be necessary, with mileage reimbursement per policy.
• Regular attendance is essential.
• The position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities.
• Work is primarily sedentary and performed indoors.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds and sufficient dexterity for computer and office equipment use.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or genetics. Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws is maintained.