Special Counsel

and Duties This position qualifies for a 'Hire Above Minimum' (HAM) Salary. The starting salary will be $12,046.
***THIS POSITION REQUIRES AN ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP WITH THE CALIFORNIA STATE BAR.

Are you an attorney interested in public service? Are you eager to grow and develop as part of a diverse and experienced team of attorneys? If so, the California State Teachers' Retirement System Office of the General Counsel is currently accepting applications for an Attorney III. Join a team that takes pride in developing expert attorneys who are committed to securing the financial future and sustaining the trust of Californias educators.

Under the direction of the Teachers' Retirement Board and the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Office of the General Counsel provides advice on legal issues as they affect the overall programs and policies of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), manages CalSTRS legal program, and represents the System in litigation, appeals, and other legal matters. The Office of the General Counsel is comprised of multiple highly visible and complex business areas: Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability (OLEA), Enterprise Information Management & Legal Operations, Information Security Office, Legal Services, Investment Counsel, and Litigation Services.
Under the general direction of the General Counsel, the Attorney III acts as the Special Counsel and provides direct legal support for the General Counsel across a broad range of legal issues and tasks and operates at the full journey level. The incumbent performs detailed legal research, analysis, drafts legal documents, memos, written analyses, articles, and presentations. The Special Counsel provides legal advice and analysis on the more complex legal matters arising in connection with CalSTRS activities, including, board governance, fiduciary duties, securities litigation, benefits, financial and investment issues, compliance with laws relating to public agencies, legislation and regulations, conflict of interest, public record access, confidentiality, contracting, work authorization and business immigration, and personnel issues including investigations, reasonable accommodations, and other labor and employment legal issues.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Strong skills in legal research and analysis across a wide range of topics.
• Experience drafting clear, accurate legal documents and written materials.
• Knowledge of laws affecting public agencies, including regulations, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.
• Ability to advise on complex issues such as governance and fiduciary duty.
• Experience providing legal support to executive leadership.
• Understanding of labor and employment matters, including investigations and accommodations.
• Ability to work independently at a high professional level.
• Strong communication skills for explaining complex legal issues clearly.
• High level of judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to values such as accountability, leadership, and stewardship.

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 4.62% in exchange for 8 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.