Description

County of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, CA

Retirement Staff Attorney

Salary: $151,879.72 - $184,605.76 Annually

Closing Date:  5/12/2026

The Sonoma County Employees' Retirement Association (SCERA) is hiring a Retirement Staff Attorney!  The Retirement Staff Attorney provides legal advice and counsel to SCERA staff regarding the administration of retirement benefits and the interpretation of retirement laws. They are a key member of SCERA’s management team, supporting disability retirement and benefit appeal cases. This position collaborates closely with Member Services and works directly with the Board of Retirement and external partners. While not a supervisory role, it offers significant influence in case strategy and organizational planning. Additional responsibilities include:

•   Providing legal advice on retirement benefit administration and interpretation of applicable laws
•   Researching and applying federal and state laws impacting public pension systems, including County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL), Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), and disability retirement law
•   Preparing legal documents and representing SCERA in administrative hearings and related court proceedings
•   Analyzing medical, employment, and system records to support disability retirement and benefit appeal determinations
•   Advising the Board of Retirement, collaborating with Member Services on case strategy, and supporting organizational planning
•   Consulting with the Assistant Chief Executive Officer/Chief Legal Counsel on complex matters to ensure alignment with organizational policies and legal strategy

As the ideal candidate to join the SCERA team, you will demonstrate strong strategic and creative thinking abilities.While not mandatory, experience practicing law within a public agency, administrative, or governmental environment is highly desirable. Additionally, you will possess many of the following:

•   The ability to interpret and apply public pension and retirement law, including CERL, PEPRA, and other public agency statutes, such as relevant provisions of the Labor Code or the Brown Act
•   Experience preparing and presenting cases in administrative hearings, mediations, or litigation, including analysis of medical and employment records for disability-related matters
•   The ability to advise government agencies or boards and communicate complex information in a clear, compelling manner
•   Strong legal research and writing abilities, including using major research tools and producing well-crafted memoranda, briefs, motions, and hearing documents
•   Analytical skills to interpret complex statutes, case law, medical evidence, and large volumes of documentation

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

•   Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
•   Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
•   Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
•   County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
•   Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
•   Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
•   Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in a 401(a), based upon employee contribution
•   Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
•   Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
•   Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
•   Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Learn more and apply:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma/jobs/5302821/retirement-staff-attorney

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www. yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.