Graduate Legal Assistant

Overview

This is a Limited Term (12 months) Graduate Legal Assistant position supporting the Division of Prosecution within the Office of Enforcement. The role involves assisting with litigation of administrative and civil matters to ensure compliance with managed health care laws under the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 and related regulations. The position may become permanent, be extended, or cancelled at any time. Multiple vacancies may be filled from this recruitment within 180 days of the closing date.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorney staff with legal research, analysis, and discovery.
• Draft memoranda and prepare reports on legal and policy recommendations related to the Knox-Keene Act, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other state and federal laws.
• Exercise independent professional judgment and accept supervision as directed.
• Maintain consistent work hours averaging 40 hours per week.
• Travel within California and the United States as required, potentially involving overnight stays.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Manage multiple tasks and a significant caseload, prioritizing work effectively.
• Perform legal research and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to problems.

Requirements

• Must meet the minimum qualifications for the Graduate Legal Assistant classification.
• Ability to maintain normal and consistent work hours.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
• Must be a resident of California and maintain residency if teleworking.
• Successful completion of a background investigation including fingerprinting.
• Submission of a writing sample demonstrating legal writing ability (at least one page, Arial 12-point font) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing entry-level legal work in a governmental setting, including legal analysis, discovery preparation, and administrative or civil litigation.
• Proficient knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, principles, documentation, and procedures.
• Strong analytical, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent research skills and ability to meet deadlines while managing a large caseload.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, management, and other agencies.
• Interest or experience in health care law.
• Courtroom advocacy experience.
• Commitment to maintaining a discrimination- and harassment-free work environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $5,227.00 - $6,238.00 per month.
• New state employees will be hired at the minimum salary.
• Position is subject to the Personal Leave Program 2025, which includes a temporary salary reduction in exchange for leave credits.
• Eligible for hybrid telework based on operational needs and subject to state telework policies.
• Benefits information is available through the state's benefit summary resources.

Location

• Work location: Sacramento County, California.
• Office environments are climate-controlled with artificial lighting.
• Offices are located near light-rail transit with various amenities.

Application Instructions

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Applicants must submit a completed State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) or electronic state employment application.
• A writing sample demonstrating legal writing ability must be included; applications without a writing sample will not be considered.
• Resume is optional.
• Foreign degree holders must provide transcript evaluations from approved agencies.
• Applications may be submitted electronically or by mail/drop-off to the Human Resources Office in Sacramento.
• Confidential information such as Social Security numbers, birthdates, and driver’s license numbers should be excluded from application materials.

Additional Information

• The position requires a background check prior to hire.
• Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the hiring process.
• The employer is an equal opportunity employer committed to a drug-free workplace.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet minimum and desirable qualifications in their application materials.
• Telework eligibility requires California residency.

Work Environment

• Hybrid telework may be permitted based on department needs.
• Work is performed in office cubicles or private offices.
• Travel may be required for case-related matters.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the enforcement of managed health care laws and support consumer protection within the health care system.