Attorney Jobs in California
Attorney jobs in California represent one of the most active legal markets in the country, with strong demand across corporate law, entertainment and intellectual property, technology, and public interest sectors at every level from entry-level associate through senior partner and general counsel. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego lead hiring volume, anchored by firms and in-house legal departments at organizations like Latham and Watkins, Google, and Kaiser Permanente. Litigation, employment law, and technology transactions are among the most sought-after specializations across California right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Posting: Attorney IV - Strike Team Liaison
Department of Managed Health Care
ATTORNEY IV
$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 9/28/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general supervision of the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV performs with a high degree of independence the most complex work related to the regulation of health plans pursuant to the Knox-Keene Act and other laws. Duties include handling all aspects of the most complex routine and non-routine surveys and health plan service delivery filings; handling special projects, including participating in work groups addressing the most difficult legal and policy issues (e.g. post-stabilization care); providing legal advice to management, executive leadership and consultants on the most significant legal and policy matters, and participating in activities pertaining to Senate Bill 858 requirements. The Attorney IV also functions in a lead capacity over a small team of attorneys in all aspects of survey-related work and other assignments they may be working on; assisting and reviewing the work of attorneys on that small team. Health plan organizational structures increasingly involve complicated delegation arrangements, with corresponding and rapidly-evolving legal and policy issues that require handling by or under the lead of the Attorney IV. The Attorney IV will need to travel occasionally to attend medical surveys.
Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking a brief survey: DMHC Recruitment Survey
Leave Program (PLP) 2025 agreement:
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position’s associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The DMHC has locations in Downtown Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Both locations are located close to light-rail with various amenities. The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled cubicle and/or office environment with artificial lighting.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. The telework schedule is permitted at the operational needs of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with the State Telework Policy and the DMHC’s Telework Policy. All employees who telework are required to be California residents and maintain California residency in accordance with Government Code 14200.
Position Details
Department Information
The mission of the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is to ensure health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. The DMHC accomplishes its mission by ensuring the health care system works for members. The Department protects the health care rights of Californians by regulating health care service plans, assisting members through a member Help Center, educating members on their rights and responsibilities and preserving the financial stability of the managed health care system.
DMHC values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. DMHC believes the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission. Join DMHC and help us improve the lives of all Californians.
If you are interested in learning about the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) culture from the perspective of someone like yourself, contact our Someone Like Me program (please check your Spam or Junk folders for our email replies). Within five business days of your request to participate in the Someone Like Me program, you will be matched with a DMHC employee with a similar background to discuss the DMHC’s culture. This program is not part of, or in any way affiliated with the application or hiring process. Prospective employees must complete the application process on Cal Careers (e.g., submit your application within the specified timeframes on the job posting) to be considered for hire at the DMHC. None of the information you provide through the Someone Like Me program will be relayed to the Hiring Unit.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Any documents you submit for a job vacancy such as your state application, resume, cover letter, educational transcripts, etc. SHOULD NOT include ANY confidential information. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthday, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your high school transcripts or college/university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts may be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/28/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Other - Cover Letter - A Cover Letter is required with this recruitment.
- Statement of Qualifications -
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a MANDATORY requirement to apply for this position. The SOQ will answer specific questions and provide insight to the hiring manager regarding the candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills to meet the minimum and desirable qualifications for the position.
Please see section labeled Statement of Qualifications Instructions for further direction.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience and knowledge of health care service plan programs and trends.
- Experience with consumer advocacy, government, public service, and data/policy analysis
- Experience conducting research, writing in health care law, public/governmental law, or administrative law
- Ability to organize and establish simultaneous workload priorities and work under pressure.
- Exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively and effectively with others.
- Ability to professionally communicate both orally and in writing.
- Ability to reason well and use good judgment.
- Dependable, punctual, and excellent attendance.
- Proficient use of the following software programs: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
DMHC Recruitment
(916) 322-8437
recruitment@dmhc.ca.gov
Holly Pearson
(916) 591-4811
holly.pearson@dmhc.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Office
(916) 738-3394
EEO@dmhc.ca.gov
Additional Application Instructions
To be considered for this vacancy, please complete all applicable fields on the application form, including a list or description of previous/current occupational experience in the duties performed section.
Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
Do NOT include your social security number on any submitted documents. If submitting your application via postal mail or in person, please notate RPA: 26-051 and Job Control: JC-532079 on your application.
All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to clearly demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position on your State Application (STD Form 678). The application should also clearly demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the Desirable Qualifications identified in this job advertisement. The Classification Specification for Attorney IV is located at the top of this Job Announcement Posting under Minimum Requirements.
Foreign Degrees or Transcripts – Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. DMHC accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are mailing your application, it must be postmarked by the final filing date. Hand delivered applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Applications slipped under the door at the Human Resources Office will be time stamped the following business day.
Statement of Qualifications Instructions
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a mandatory requirement for this job. An SOQ is a narrative discussion describing how the candidate’s education, training, experience and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications for the position.
The SOQ should also document each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ must be typewritten, use no less than 12-point font, and be no more than two pages in length.
The SOQ should answer the following questions:
- To what extent does the candidate understand the mission of the DMHC?
- What is the extent of the candidate’s experience with regard to health care law and health care industry trends?
- What is the extent of the candidate’s experience with the operations of state government, including the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as regulatory processes?
Applicants that do not submit a SOQ with their application packet will automatically be disqualified from consideration for this position. Cover letters, resumes and applications will not take the place of the SOQ.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
See All 620+ Attorney Jobs in California
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Find Attorney JobsAttorney Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Attorney Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP27
- Wilson Elser13
- Klinedinst PC12
- Career Consulting Partners12
- The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC12
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services15
- Staffing & Recruiting7
- Insurance3
- Education1
- Human Resources1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in attorney jobs across California.
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California required
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school required
- Experience with California-specific procedural rules and court systems preferred
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills across all levels
- Familiarity with California employment law, privacy regulations, or industry-specific statutes a plus
- Prior clerkship, internship, or associate experience at a California firm or in-house department valued
Attorney Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a attorney in California?
To practice law in California, you must pass the California Bar Examination administered by the State Bar of California and satisfy its character and fitness requirements. Candidates must first complete a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, though California also permits a small number of alternative pathways through law reader programs. After passing the bar, you apply for admission and receive a State Bar number before practicing.
How much do attorneys make in California?
Attorneys in California earn a median of about $195,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,950 for the lowest 10% to over $369,180 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire attorneys in California?
Employers hiring attorneys in California right now include Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Wilson Elser, and Klinedinst PC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, major entertainment studios, and large health systems means in-house legal roles are especially plentiful alongside traditional law firm positions.
Which California cities have the most attorney jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco have the most attorney openings in California. Los Angeles drives the largest share through its entertainment, media, and corporate headquarters, San Francisco and the broader Bay Area generate significant volume from technology companies and venture-backed firms, and San Diego adds steady demand from its biotech, defense, and research sectors.
Are there remote attorney jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many professional roles, since legal research, contract drafting, and advisory work can be done from anywhere. About 70% of attorney openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with the most flexibility concentrated in transactional, compliance, and contract roles rather than litigation-heavy positions that require court appearances.
How can I get hired as a attorney in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a summer associate position or first-year associate role at a California law firm while still in law school or immediately after passing the bar. Large California firms, public agencies like the California Attorney General's Office, and legal aid organizations such as Bet Tzedek regularly hire new graduates into structured associate programs. A clerkship with a California state or federal court judge also builds practical credentials that open doors quickly.
Where can I find and apply to attorney jobs in California?
You can find and apply to attorney jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. Find roles that match your practice area and experience level and apply directly to each opening.
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