Attorney III

Job Description:

Attorney III

Description

Job Description

Client Security Fund

Annual Salary Range: $142,925 to $214,221

FLSA Exempt / Union Represented

This position allows for up to 4 days of remote work per week

***Application will close on August 21, 2026 at 5 pm. Please include a cover letter with your resume to be considered for the position.***

The Ideal Candidate

CSF seeks an attorney with exceptional analytical and drafting skills and extensive experience investigating and analyzing complex legal matters in a variety of areas of law. The ideal candidate also possesses strong oral presentation skills. This is not a litigation or advocacy position but involves applying facts to the law and concluding whether to grant or deny an application. It requires a commitment to public protection and a desire to assist those who may have been a victim of attorney theft. The CSF attorney must provide courteous and professional service to applicants, respondents, State Bar officials and employees, and the general public regarding all Client Security Fund functions.

Definition
Under direction and with a progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence, the Attorney III performs complex legal work that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda, and litigation activities. The Attorney III handles assigned litigation, frequently takes lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and assists in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar.

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the Attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff, or as a lead counsel in trials.
The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.
The Attorney III differs from the Attorney IV in that the latter has a more complex caseload and serves in a lead capacity over other attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Independently researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies legal principles within the assigned work area.
  • Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
  • Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
  • Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned and assists in the evaluation of the work product.
  • Stays informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
  • Provides substantive and procedural recommendations to other attorneys to assist them with their cases or prepare them for trial.
  • Provides legal advice to management, executive staff, judges, sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies.
  • Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues, and makes decisions regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
  • Reviews applications for program eligibility.
  • Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
  • Performs trials, including delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross examinations, and preparing post-trial briefs.
  • Writes legal analysis setting forth facts and legal conclusions.
  • Serves as lead attorney on trials or appellate cases.
  • Conducts informal and formal discovery to ensure that legal analyses and recommendations have sufficient evidentiary and legal bases.
  • Performs independent review of the record of moral character and disciplinary proceedings on appeal from the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court.
  • Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
  • Presents matters before State Bar sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies, including preparing, reviewing, or editing draft decisions and agenda items.
  • Participates in training and professional development activities and may lead training activities.
  • May serve as a guide and mentor to other attorneys and staff, as needed, in researching, interpreting, and applying complex legal principles and preparing them for trial.
  • Performs similar or related duties, which may not be specifically included within this job description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:
• Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature.
• Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
• Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions.
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
• Rules and procedures related to public hearings.
• Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Principles of effective time management.
• Principles of oral advocacy.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.
• Advanced legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings.
• Principles of conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.

Ability to:
• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
• Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
• Work under the pressure of short deadlines.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Review and analyze complex written documents.
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
  
  Experience:
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position.
• Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.
  
  License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:
  
  • Must be an active member, in good standing, in the State Bar of California.
  • Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar's selection process for this classification.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.