Attorney III

Under the general direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney III supports the Legal Division’s affirmative civil rights enforcement work by representing the Department in litigation brought under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Ralph Civil Rights Act, Unruh Civil Rights Act, and other statutes in the Department’s jurisdiction, and by providing other legal support for the Legal Division’s operation. The Attorney III will conduct their own litigation independently with minimal supervision from an Assistant Chief Counsel, as well as contribute significantly to the litigation of the Department’s larger cases working cooperatively with other attorneys of varying levels of seniority.

The California Civil Rights department (CRD) is the largest state civil rights enforcement agency in the country. CRD’s strategic vision is a discrimination-free California. CRD enforces the state’s robust civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment in employment, housing, business, and state-funded programs, as well as hate violence and human trafficking. CRD has jurisdiction over complaints against public and private entities operating in California, including other state departments and local governments. With offices in six locations throughout California, CRD receives, investigates, mediates, and initiates individual and systemic discrimination complaints. CRD also conducts extensive research, outreach, and education to prevent civil rights violations and to ensure Californians know their rights. CRD is also home to the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network, connecting people targeted for hate with resources and support regarding options for next steps.

CRD’s Legal Division provides strategic guidance in complex investigations; litigates individual and pattern-or-practice cases in state and federal courts throughout the state; and provides general counsel support to the Department. CRD’s Legal Division employs more than sixty attorneys and staff throughout California.