Counsel II at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
Join the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) as a Counsel II in our Legal Services Division. We are seeking an experienced attorney with strong legal expertise in special education law, including litigation and dispute resolution, as well as alternative education and labor and employment law. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide sophisticated legal advice and representation on complex matters affecting public education. The successful candidate will advise OCDE leadership and educational programs, handle special education disputes and litigation, and provide counsel on legal issues involving alternative educational settings, student rights, personnel matters, and employment-related disputes.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may qualify, subject to applicable professional licensure requirements. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school • Membership in the California State Bar • Three (3) years of responsible professional legal experience Requirements for Consideration: • A complete EDJOIN application • A current resume • A letter of introduction describing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position • Three (3) current letters of recommendation • A writing sample • Verification of active membership in good standing with the California State Bar Please ensure all required materials are submitted through EDJOIN by the application deadline. Incomplete applications or materials submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may qualify, subject to applicable professional licensure requirements. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school • Membership in the California State Bar • Three (3) years of responsible professional legal experience Requirements for Consideration: • A complete EDJOIN application • A current resume • A letter of introduction describing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position • Three (3) current letters of recommendation • A writing sample • Verification of active membership in good standing with the California State Bar Please ensure all required materials are submitted through EDJOIN by the application deadline. Incomplete applications or materials submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Once you have submitted your application, you cannot go back and make changes. If you need to make changes, you will need to withdraw your application and resubmit prior to the deadline. For any further questions in regards to the position or recruitment process, please contact our office at: (714) 966-4000.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Once you have submitted your application, you cannot go back and make changes. If you need to make changes, you will need to withdraw your application and resubmit prior to the deadline. For any further questions in regards to the position or recruitment process, please contact our office at: (714) 966-4000.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Application Deadline
11/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Date Posted
10/22/2026
Contact
Sofia Budde
714-966-4035
714-966-4035
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$16,540.00 - $20,153.00 Monthly
$16,540.00 - $20,153.00 Monthly
Add'l Salary Info
Classified Senior Management I, Range 45: Placement based on education and experience.
Length of Work Year
225 Days/12 Months
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.