State Bar of California
General Counsel
Annual Salary range: $124,498 – $183,264 (Appointment in the range will be commensurate with qualifications and experience). A comprehensive benefit package (including PERS 2% @ 55 retirement) is also provided.
Filing Deadline: Friday, 10/09/09
Created by the state legislature in 1927, the State Bar of California is a public corporation within the judicial branch of state government, serving as an arm of the California Supreme Court. Governed by a 23-member Board of Governors, the State Bar of California is by far the largest state bar in the nation with over 223,000 members. The State Bar is seeking a highly experienced legal professional to serve as its General Counsel.
Reporting to the Executive Director, with a client relationship with the Board of Governors, the General Counsel (GC) is responsible for overseeing, planning, organizing and directing the legal staff and legal work of the State Bar and providing legal advice, counsel and representation to the State Bar entity. The GC does not have responsibility for the investigation and prosecution of attorney disciplinary cases, except for serving as appellate counsel should a matter proceed to the Supreme Court on a petition for review. The GC represents the State Bar, its board, and divisions in administrative and state and federal court proceedings in which the State Bar or its representatives are named as parties. The GC provides advice and counsel to the State Bar on the wide variety of legal issues confronting a public agency. The GC is a member of the Executive Director’s Senior Management Team. Qualified candidates for this position must bring over 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law as well as substantial management and budgetary expertise. Qualified candidates from the private sector as well as those with experience in the public and in-house corporate sectors are encouraged to apply. The next General Counsel will play a key role in helping to reshape the General Counsel’s Office, facilitate well informed decision making by producing quality work and educating the State Bar’s Board of Governors and executive staff about the range of options available to them and the related consequences of such options associated with any given legal issue. Successful candidates will be proven lawyers, strong leaders, creative thinkers, and possess the organizational skills to assess the structure and efficacy of the legal department with a vision that focuses on providing a high quality product. A superior level of legal skill, political acumen, independence of judgment and an appreciation for the application of technology to legal practice and institutional management is also important for this position. Candidates must be active members in good standing in the State Bar of California with no record of discipline. The GC oversees a $4.5 million budget and 20 employees, approximately half of whom are attorneys. The GC also oversees the retention and direction of outside counsel, as necessary. Direct reports to the GC include two Chief Assistant General Counsels and an Administrative Manager. This position is based in San Francisco.
To be considered for this exciting position, please submit a cover letter, resume, indication of current salary, and list of five references to:
Stuart Satow or Christine Iams
CPS EXECUTIVE SEARCH
241 Lathrop Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
Ph: 916.263.1401
Fx: 916.561.7205
Email: resumes@cps.ca.gov
To view an online brochure for this position visit: www.cps.ca.gov/search
State Bar of California website: www.calbar.ca.gov