Opinion Unit - Deputy Attorney General Supervisor

About the Organization
Attorney General Rob Bonta is the State’s chief law officer, responsible for ensuring that state laws are uniformly and adequately enforced. As the chief law officer, the Attorney General has broad authority to provide his views on significant legal issues. Under state law, the Attorney General provides legal opinions when requested by designated public officials, including state constitutional officers, members of the Legislature, heads of state agencies, county counsels, city attorneys, district attorneys, and sheriffs. Attorney General legal opinions play an important role in guiding official decision‑making and shaping California law and policy on questions of broad public importance. The Attorney General is also responsible for overseeing quo warranto litigation, including actions brought by private parties to challenge the eligibility of public officials to hold office.

Located within the Department of Justice, the Opinion Unit is responsible for developing formal legal opinions on behalf of the Attorney General. Legal opinions involve a wide range of novel and sensitive issues, including questions of statutory and regulatory interpretation, constitutional analysis, and state and federal preemption. Recent opinions have addressed diverse topics such as housing regulation, administrative law, taxation, cannabis, water regulation, labor law, good governance, gaming, immigration, criminal law, tribal affairs, and education. The Opinion Unit also manages the Attorney General’s review of quo warranto applications and oversees related litigation. At times, the Unit may provide legal analysis, advice, or special project support to the Attorney General and the Department as well.

About the Position
Under the supervision of the Senior Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) and the direction of the Principal Deputy Solicitor General, the Supervising Deputy Attorney General (SDAG) participates in the work of the Opinion Unit and directly supervises other Unit employees. The SDAG is responsible for supervising and managing attorneys at all stages of opinion development by coordinating with the SAAG on opinion intake and assignment, communicating with state and local officials concerning opinion requests, discussing and coordinating strategy for opinion research and analysis; reviewing and editing draft opinions; consulting with other sections and divisions within the Department of Justice; preparing attorneys to present proposed opinions to the Attorney General and participating in presentations; and advising the Executive Office. In carrying out these duties, the SDAG leads, coordinates, monitors, and reviews the work of attorneys assigned to the SDAG’s direct supervision. The SDAG also participates personally and substantially in the Unit’s work by preparing and presenting the most complex and sensitive legal opinions; maintaining and fostering good communication with Department colleagues; building strong relationships with external stakeholders, including through outreach to the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and other public officials; and responding to opinion‑related public inquiries. In coordination with the SAAG, the SDAG assists in monitoring and organizing opinion and quo warranto application workflows, opinion publication, and quo warranto litigation oversight. The SDAG periodically prepares performance evaluations; handles general administrative matters; assists in the review, development, and implementation of Unit policies and procedures; and participates in the interview and selection process for attorneys and staff.

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements in Class Specification.

Deputy Attorney General Supervisor

Desirable Qualifications
Applicants should have substantial experience in managing an active docket of legal matters and handling matters of increasing complexity and responsibility. They should possess outstanding written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex legal issues; the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different legal arguments; the ability to edit the work of other attorneys; and the ability to draft compelling opinions on behalf of the Attorney General. Successful applicants will be required to exercise good judgment, discretion, and tact in all aspects of their work, including interacting with other Department employees, public officials, and members of the public. They should have strong individual initiative, be able to work well under pressure, be flexible and resourceful, and be prepared to take a lead role in managing specified Opinion Unit assignments as directed by the SAAG. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of the organization and work of the Department of Justice; experience with areas of law relevant to the work of Opinion Unit, including quo warranto cases; and familiarity with procedures for preparing Attorney General opinions.

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