Legislative Advocate

Overview

The Judicial Council of California is accepting applications for the position of ­­­Legislative Advocate for the Office of Governmental Affairs. 

Responsible for working with court leadership to advance key Judicial Council legislative priorities and improve the efficacy and reach of council advocacy. Implements issue specific mobilization efforts involving judicial branch leadership to ensure that outreach on key bills is most effective. Supports courts with agenda development and messaging support for Day on the Bench efforts to invite legislators to visit court locations and learn more about the branch. Supports the Bench Bar Coalition Day in Sacramento event and ensures that all participants are briefed on key messages to support branch legislative priorities. Oversees efforts to update courts on status of legislative advocacy.

The Judicial Council 

The Judicial Council of California is the policy setting body for the state court system and has constitutionally conferred statewide rule-making authority. This authority includes developing, advocating for, and allocating the judicial branch budget. A majority of Council members are California state justices and judges; however, the Council also includes lawyers, legislators, and court administrators.

By enhancing its role as a leadership, knowledge, and service resource for the judicial branch, the Judicial Council’s staff organization seeks to continue to evolve as one of California’s most dynamic public service entities, focused on improving access to justice for all Californians by innovating and responding to the changing needs of the courts and the public. As a government body charged with improving the statewide administration of justice, the Judicial Council has multiple offices with diverse responsibilities relating to court policy and operations. As employees of the council, every member of staff should view and approach their work as one Judicial Council with a public service mission that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Judicial Council strives for work-life balance, including substantial vacation and holiday time. In addition, we offer an excellent benefits package, including pension, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending, up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs, and retirement savings plans. The Governmental Affairs office is in downtown Sacramento, walking distance from the Capitol.

The Judicial Council offers hybrid work arrangements for many positions. The successful candidate will be expected to work in person at the Judicial Council’s Governmental Affairs office three to four days per week, based on their office leader’s direction.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience 

Bachelor’s degree, and five (5) years of professional analytical experience in legislative or public policy analysis and advocacy. Possession of a bachelor’s degree in a directly related field for the assigned discipline such as political science, public policy, public or judicial administration, etc., may be substituted for one of the years of required experience. An additional four years of professional experience as noted above may substitute for the bachelor’s degree. Or, additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

OR

Juris doctor or master’s degree in a directly related field such as public administration or political science, and two (2) years of experience in legislative or public policy analysis or advocacy.

OR

One year as a Senior Analyst, or three (3) years as an Analyst, working in legislative or public policy analysis, with the Judicial Council of California or one year of experience performing the duties of a class comparable in the level of responsibility to that of a Senior Analyst or three (3) years as an Analyst, in a California Superior Court or California state-level government entity.

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Legislative and political processes and procedures
• Judicial branch operations and structure
• Public relations and coalition building strategies
• Legislative advocacy and lobbying techniques

Skill in: 

• Reading and analyzing legislation and other written materials and statistical data
• Working effectively under pressure, with multiple deadlines and changing priorities
• Exhibiting political acumen
• Authoring and editing complex reports and documents
• Exercising confidentiality
• Effectively communicating
• Maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, colleagues, customers, and the public

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the trial courts to build outreach efforts with their legislative delegation and leadership and staff of key legislative committees
• Lead efforts to mobilize judicial branch leadership on key budget and legislative priorities
• Provide messaging and strategic support for the Bench Bar Coalition (BBC) and Day in Sacramento event
• Lead efforts to ensure that information on pending and enacted legislation is being communicated to the courts and council staff on a timely and regular basis
• Attend meetings with staff, branch partners (judges, court executive officers, other court staff and leadership from other branches of government) as needed (daily during legislative session)
• Attend all Judicial Council trainings 

How To Apply

To ensure consideration of your application for the earliest round of interviews, please apply by Monday, May 12, 2025, however, this position will remain open until filled. This position requires the submission of our official application, a resume and a response to the supplemental questions. 

To complete the online application, please click the Apply for Job button.

The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260.

Pay and Benefits

$8,264 - $12,394 per month

Some highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs 
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Pretax Parking
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

Other Information

Please note: If you are selected for hire, verification of employment eligibility or authorization to work in the United States will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Judicial Council of California Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.