Salary : $181,224.00 – $274,297.32 Annually
Location : Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 9-9213-I, Bul#23-07
Department: Legal
Opening Date: 09/29/2023
POSITION INFORMATION
This examination will remain open until LACERA’s hiring needs are met and is subject to closure without prior notice.
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT: Open Competitive Job Opportunity
EXAMINATION INFORMATION: Examination Number: 9-9213-I, Job Bulletin Number: 23-07.
COMPENSATION: $15,102.00 – $22,858.11 Monthly
Placement within this salary range depends on qualifications. This position is subject to the provisions of the County’s Management Appraisal and Performance Plan (MAPP).
A 3% salary increase is approved effective January 1, 2024.
The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) administers and manages the $73 billion retirement fund for the County of Los Angeles. We provide retirement, disability, and death benefits to eligible County Employees and their Beneficiaries, and collect, deposit, invest, and manage retirement funds collected from the County, Outside Districts, and County Employees. LACERA is one of the largest county retirement associations in the United States with over 184,000 Members. Our Membership is comprised of individuals from a diverse range of careers, age groups, and ethnicity – all contributing to the greater welfare of Los Angeles County.
LACERA is located in Gateway Plaza at 300 North Lake Avenue in the beautiful City of Pasadena. The building is easily accessible from the Foothill Freeway (210) and the Metro Gold Line Lake Station. We offer convenient free parking in our secure structure adjacent to the building in addition to a robust rideshare program providing commuting alternatives such as ride-matching, vanpool, carpool, parking services and more. Prioritizing health, well-being, and sustainability, Gateway Plaza is a Class “A” office building, LEED Gold Certified and EPA Energy Star Certified. With a Walkability Score of 91, LACERA staff members are able to easily enjoy the approximately 150 shops, food, and dining options that make up the popular South Lake Avenue District.
Our Members dedicate their careers contributing to the welfare of Los Angeles County. For their service, the County contributes to their promised benefits, and LACERA is dedicating to serving them in return throughout their career and their life afterwards. If you are interested in being part of this rewarding team, LACERA invites you to apply!
Benefits include a cafeteria benefit plan (14.5%-17% of monthly salary), annual leave, defined benefit retirement plan, Savings Plan (401k), Deferred Compensation Plan (457), 13 paid holidays per year, savings plan, a hybrid work schedule, and a ride share program.
LACERA Mission: To produce, protect, and provide the promised benefits to our members.
LACERA Vision: Empowering our members to enjoy a healthy and secure retirement.
LACERA Values: Our Core Values serve as our cultural guide and foundation in meeting our mission. As a member-focused government agency, we abide by our core values to ensure the public’s trust, operate efficiently and cost effectively, and provide our members their promised benefits.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The vacancy is located in the Benefits Section of the Legal Division, which is responsible for providing legal advice and representation on benefits issues to LACERA and its Boards of Retirement and Investments, the Executive Office, the Member Operations Group, and other divisions as needed. The Legal Division is comprised of a Chief Counsel, a Legislative Affairs Officer, Senior Staff Counsels, Staff Counsels, Legal Analysts, Legal Secretaries, and will soon add a Director of Compliance. Legal staff work in one of four sections: Litigation, Investments, Benefits, and Disability. This position will oversee the Benefits Section, reporting to the Chief Counsel.
SENIOR STAFF COUNSEL ROLE:
The Senior Benefits Staff Counsel position reports to LACERA’s Chief Counsel. The role of Senior Staff Counsel includes:
- Provides legal support to the Board of Retirement and Board of Investments, the Executive Office, the Member Operations Group, and other LACERA Divisions as needed on a wide range of benefits matters, including benefits eligibility (other than disability), the interpretation and application of the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL), the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Law of 2013 (PEPRA), and other relevant state and federal laws.
- Works closely with Chief Counsel on complex and sensitive benefits, ethical and fiduciary matters and advises senior leadership on significant and challenging benefits legal issues.
- Prepares memos and presents to the Board of Retirement for action or counseling on benefits issues and topics in open and closed session.
- Advises staff and the Board of Retirement in connection with administrative appeals filed by members on benefits issues.
- Processes domestic relations orders submitted by members in connection with the split of pension rights and related issues, including guardianship, and conservatorship, and reviewing Powers of Attorney.
- Supervises the activities of subordinate staff counsel and legal staff on benefits issues.
- Provides legal support to the Boards and Committees at meetings in the absence of Chief Counsel.
VACANCY INFORMATION:The current vacancy is in the Benefits Section of the Legal Division. The resulting Eligible Register can be used to fill both current and future vacancies throughout the Legal Division.
Work Schedule: This full-time position is required to work a 5/40 schedule (e.g. an eight (8) hour day, Monday through Friday). LACERA offers a hybrid work environment, and this position may be eligible to telework up to three (3) days per week.
This position is an exempt position as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act and not eligible for overtime.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
To view the complete job description for this classification, please click
REQUIREMENTS
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS:
Option 1:
One (1) year of experience as Staff Counsel, LACERA
– OR –
Option 2:
Seven (7) years of experience in the practice of public agency law, benefits, healthcare, probate, or family law.
*Public agency law refers to experience working for the government of a State or political subdivision thereof; any agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State, or any interstate government agency, or providing services to a private entity providing services to or interacting with a public agency or that must comply its governing law.
LICENSE:
Admission to practice law in all courts of California **.
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
PHYSICAL CLASS II Light: Light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience providing legal advice regarding legal and fiduciary issues associated with the provision of retirement and health benefits.
- Demonstrated experience making presentations on benefit issues.
- Demonstrated experience working in a primary role with a benefits staff and legal team to accomplish benefit objectives.
- Demonstrated experience in legal compliance review for benefit issues.
- Demonstrated experience drafting opinions, pleadings, rulings, regulations, and legislation relating to benefits.
To receive credit for the above desirable qualifications, your application must clearly describe your experience.
Knowledge of: Legal principles and precedents, as it relates to benefits, guardianship, dissolution, conservator- ship, power of attorney, constitutional, civil, administrative laws and procedures; laws affecting public pension plans; retirement, retiree health care, and/or disability benefits; probate law; family law, and the provision of legal advice to government officials; computerized legal research tools such as Lexis-Nexis and Westlaw; principles and practices of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; customer service skills; principals and applications of the Microsoft Office Applications including Word and Excel.
Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and maintain effective relationships with the public, the Boards, Executive Leadership and Staff; conduct research using computerized legal research tools such as Lexis-Nexis and Westlaw; understand and follow oral and written directions; provide oversight and leader- ship of a benefits team; work with minimum supervision; and plan and organize their work and the work of others; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff internally and externally.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION
**All applicants must submit the following with their online application at the time of filing, or within 15 calendar days from the application submission date:
A copy of a valid and active California Bar card with a visible watermark of the year -OR- a printed copy of the member profile information from the State Bar of California website, with an “Active” status designation. Applications received without this required documentation will be rejected as incomplete.
EXAMINATION CONTENT
This examination process will consist of: an evaluation of training and experience based on application information, desirable qualifications, and supplemental questionnaire weighted 100%.
APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AND ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON THE WEIGHTED PORTIONS OF THE EXAMINATION IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE REGISTER.All notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add and to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Test scores/results cannot be given over the telephone.
DO NOT select “Off” under Email Preferences within your profile or click “Unsubscribe” on our notices if you would like LACERA to notify you regarding your application status, test schedules, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position.
LACERA will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component.
Those candidates which are determined eligible for hire under the Los Angeles County’s Civil Services Rules may be invited to the selection process which may be comprised of a selection interview and/or job related assessments.
ELIGIBLE INFORMATION The names of candidates receiving a passing grade will be placed on the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation.APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:
Application must be submitted online. Applicants can check the status of their applications at any time by logging into their account on www.governmentjobs.com.
The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that clearly demonstrates meeting the Selection Requirements for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely. Information provided in the supplemental questionnaire must be reflected in the application to be considered.
Failure to provide complete information on the employment application and on the supplemental questionnaire will impact the assessment of an applicant’s qualifications and acceptance in the selection process.
Applications submitted without the complete work history and the supplemental questions completed in their entirety will be rejected as incomplete. “See application” or “See resume” or copy and paste of work experience is not sufficient or qualifying responses.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application or supplemental questionnaire.
In the space provided for education, include the names and addresses of schools attended, and number of credits, degree, and/or certificate(s) earned.
In order to receive credit for any college course work, or college degree, such as an Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctorate degree, or for completion of a certificate program, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official and/or unofficial transcripts, or an official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization or official certificate(s) at the time of filing or within ten (10) business days from application submission date.
Applicants must provide the appropriate attachments during application submission, email the documentation to within ten (10) business days of filing. Please include the examination title and number on the documentation.
Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may result in your application being rejected as incomplete and will be removed from consideration.
Your employment history should be listed in order beginning with the most recent.
For each job held, provide the name and address of your employer, your job titles, beginning and ending dates, description of work performed, and reason for leaving.
If you have worked in more than one position for one employer, list each job title and/or area of assignment separately on the application to demonstrate your experience in various assignments/occupational areas.
Part-time experience will be evaluated on the basis of its fractional equivalent of a 40-hour workweek.
All required experience must be paid.
This position may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
TO APPLY ONLINE GO TO: and click on the Careers link.
Faxed, emailed, or hardcopy (paper) applications will not be accepted.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES: For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.
Candidate(s) who complete examination process with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Upon an offer of employment, a comprehensive background investigation will be conducted, which includes verification of experience, and/or education, credit history, and fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please note that ALL information included in the application materials is subject to VERIFICATION at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. FALSIFICATION of any information may result in DISQUALIFICATION or RESCISSION OF APPOINTMENT.
Utilizing VERBIAGE from the Classification Specification, Minimum Requirements, and/or Desirable Qualifications serving as your description of duties WILL NOT be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION and you may be DISQUALIFIED. Applications may be rejected at any stage of the examination process.
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI)
LACERA recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. LACERA is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.
Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
LACERA is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment. LACERA will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.
Requests for accommodation: humanresources@lacera.com
Teletype Telephone: (800) 899-4099
Department Contact Name: Sharon Norton
Department Contact Telephone: (626) 553 -7030
Department Email: humanresources@lacera.com
The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) recognizes excellence and performance by providing comprehensive and competitive benefit programs to its employees. Emphasis is directed toward offering you and your family a variety of benefits that help meet your needs and balance your career with your personal life. The main theme of all of the programs is flexibility.
MegaFlex Benefit Plan – Benefits may be purchased using a tax free monthly benefits allowance of 14.5% – 17% of the Staff Member’s monthly salary. If the monthly cost of the benefits selected is less than the monthly allowance, the Staff Member receives the difference as additional taxable pay.
Medical, dental, disability, life and AD&D insurance, annual leave, and health and dependent care spending accounts are available in MegaFlex.
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans – to learn more about these plans, contact us at (800) 786-6464.
Savings Plan (401k) – Optional tax-deferred income plan that includes a County match up to 4% of employee’s salary.
Deferred Compensation Plan (457) – Optional tax-deferred income plan that includes a County match of up to 4% of employee’s salary.
Leave Time – Instead of traditional sick and vacation leave, employees earn 10 days of annual leave per year and may buy up to 20 additional days of annual leave.
Holidays – 13 days per year.
Bereavement leave
Flexible Spending Accounts – Employees may contribute up to $400 per month tax-free, to Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts. The County contributes $75 per month to the Dependent Care Spending Account.
Rideshare Benefits – Monthly transit subsidy, pass purchase program, monthly vanpool subsidy, commuter choice subsidy.
Tuition Reimbursement subject to availability of funds.
This information is intended to provide a general summary of benefits available to staff members of LACERA and is not legally binding.
01
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Only online applications are accepted. The information provided on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and compared to the information provided on the application. The information provided will be used to determine if you are among the most qualified for the position.
A resume or a reference to “See attached resume” or “See application” will not be accepted in lieu of the completed questionnaire.
Incomplete, false statements, omission of material facts, or partial information may result in rejection of the application.
I have read and understand the instructions and that in order to be further considered for this position, my application and supplemental questionnaire must be thoroughly completed and reflect all relevant work experience.
- Yes
- No
02
Many important notifications such as test invitation, and other special information are only communicated via e-mail. DO NOT select “Off” under Email Preferences within your profile or click “Unsubscribe” on our notices if you would like LACERA to notify you regarding your application status, test schedules, and otherimportant information pertaining to your candidacy for this position. Moreover, pleaseadd snorton@lacera.com and info@governmentjobs.com to your email addressbook and to the list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from beingblocked or filtered as spam/junk/clutter email from your email provider. LACERA will not consider allegations of not receiving the email notification as an acceptable reason to authorize a reschedule or late exam administration.
- I understand the above information and instructions.
03
Do you have One (1) year of experience as Staff Counsel, LACERA – OR -Seven (7) years of experience in the practice of public agency law, benefits, healthcare, probate, or family law?
- YES
- NO
04
Do you have admission to practice law in all courts of California?
- Yes
- No
05
Which of the following best describes your years of experience providing advice regarding legal and fiduciary issues associated with the provision of retirement and health benefits?
- None
- Some experience, but less than one (1) year.
- At least one (1) year of experience, but less than two (2) years.
- At least two (2) years of experience, but less than three (3) years.
- At least three (3) years of experience, but less than four (4) years.
- Four (4) or more years of experience.
06
Please indicate the following in regards to your experience providing advice regarding legal and fiduciary issues associated with the provision of retirement and health benefits;
1) The position title(s) held
2) Name of employer
3) Supervisor name and phone number
4) Employment date(s) (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
5) Describe your related duties and responsibilities in detail.
REPEAT FORMAT FOR EACH EMPLOYER in which you gained this experience.
Please note your work experience MUST be verifiable in the work experience on the application.
Please provide clear, concise, and complete information. If you do not have any experience, indicate N/A.
NOTE: Indicating “See resume or application” or copy and paste from work history is not sufficient.
07
Which of the following best describes your years of experience making presentations on benefit issues?
- None
- Some experience, but less than one (1) year.
- At least one (1) year of experience, but less than two (2) years.
- At least two (2) years of experience, but less than three (3) years.
- At least three (3) years of experience, but less than four (4) years.
- Four (4) or more years of experience.
08
Please indicate the following regarding your experience making presentations on benefit issues;
1) The position title(s) held
2) Name of employer
3) Supervisor name and phone number
4) Employment date(s) (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
5) Describe your related duties and responsibilities in detail.
REPEAT FORMAT FOR EACH EMPLOYER in which you gained this experience.
Please note your work experience MUST be verifiable in the work experience on the application.
Please provide clear, concise, and complete information. If you do not have any experience, indicate N/A.
NOTE: Indicating “See resume or application” or copy and paste from work history is not sufficient.
09
Which of the following best describes your years of experience working in a primary role with a benefits staff and legal team to accomplish benefit objectives?
- None
- Some experience, but less than one (1) year.
- At least one (1) year of experience, but less than two (2) years.
- At least two (2) years of experience, but less than three (3) years.
- At least three (3) years of experience, but less than four (4) years.
- Four (4) or more years of experience.
10
Please indicate the following regarding your experience working in a primary role with a benefits staff and legal team to accomplish benefit objectives;
1) The position title(s) held
2) Name of employer
3) Supervisor name and phone number
4) Employment date(s) (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
5) Describe your related duties and responsibilities in detail.
REPEAT FORMAT FOR EACH EMPLOYER in which you gained this experience.
Please note your work experience MUST be verifiable in the work experience on the application.
Please provide clear, concise, and complete information. If you do not have any experience, indicate N/A.
NOTE: Indicating “See resume or application” or copy and paste from work history is not sufficient.
11
Which of the following best describes your years of experience in legal compliance review for benefit issues?
- None
- Some experience, but less than one (1) year.
- At least one (1) year of experience, but less than two (2) years.
- At least two (2) years of experience, but less than three (3) years.
- At least three (3) years of experience, but less than four (4) years.
- Four (4) or more years of experience.
12
Please indicate the following in regards to your experience in legal compliance review for benefit issues;
1) The position title(s) held
2) Name of employer
3) Supervisor name and phone number
4) Employment date(s) (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
5) Describe your related duties and responsibilities in detail.
REPEAT FORMAT FOR EACH EMPLOYER in which you gained this experience.
Please note your work experience MUST be verifiable in the work experience on the application.
Please provide clear, concise, and complete information. If you do not have any experience, indicate N/A.
NOTE: Indicating “See resume or application” or copy and paste from work history is not sufficient.
13
Which of the following best describes your years of experience drafting opinions, pleadings, rulings, regulations, and legislation relating to benefits?
- None
- Some experience, but less than one (1) year.
- At least one (1) year of experience, but less than two (2) years.
- At least two (2) years of experience, but less than three (3) years.
- At least three (3) years of experience, but less than four (4) years.
- Four (4) or more years of experience.
14
Please indicate the following in regards to your experience drafting opinions, pleadings, rulings, regulations, and legislation relating to benefits;
1) The position title(s) held
2) Name of employer
3) Supervisor name and phone number
4) Employment date(s) (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
5) Describe your related duties and responsibilities in detail.
REPEAT FORMAT FOR EACH EMPLOYER in which you gained this experience.
Please note your work experience MUST be verifiable in the work experience on the application.
Please provide clear, concise, and complete information. If you do not have any experience, indicate N/A.
NOTE: Indicating “See resume or application” or copy and paste from work history is not sufficient.
Required Question