Attorney (Attorney I)

The California Coastal Commission is hiring an Attorney (Attorney I) for a 12-month limited-term, full-time position based in its San Francisco office. The role may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent. The Commission carries out the California Coastal Act and works to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance California’s coastal environment. The Attorney provides legal counsel to staff and Commissioners on coastal land use, public access, and environmental protection matters.

The Attorney provides legal analysis and advice on planning, permitting, and enforcement actions; drafts and reviews staff reports, findings, ordinances, regulations, and other documents; represents the Commission in administrative hearings and supports outside counsel in court proceedings; and conducts legal research on coastal planning, environmental, administrative, and constitutional law. The role works closely with technical staff, district offices, and external partners, and may require occasional travel within California to support hearings, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Required qualifications include active membership in good standing with the California State Bar and the qualifications established for the Attorney series. Strong analytical, research, and writing skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate complex legal matters to non-attorney staff, the public, and Commissioners. Familiarity with the California Coastal Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, and related statutes is desirable. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to public service and to the Commission mission of protecting and enhancing California coastal resources.

The position is part of the State of California civil service system and offers a hybrid work arrangement under the Commission telework policy, with most work conducted from the San Francisco office and the possibility of approved remote work. Benefits include CalPERS retirement, health, dental, and vision coverage, and standard state holidays and paid leave. Applicants must submit their application through the CalCareers portal by the listed deadline.

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Original posting: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=518552