Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Counsel for Legislative Program

at California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code

🏢 About California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code

The California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code is a unique state entity established in 2020 with a focused mission to study and recommend reforms to California's criminal laws. Its impressive track record—22 bills enacted into law since inception—demonstrates real impact and offers a rare opportunity to shape statewide policy from the ground up.

About This Role

As Staff Counsel, you will be the primary driver turning Committee recommendations into enacted legislation—identifying legislative authors, coordinating support, and providing technical assistance. This role is impactful because you directly influence criminal justice reform in California, working at the intersection of legal analysis and legislative strategy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing legislative calendars and tracking bills; then drafting a memo analyzing a proposed reform for an upcoming Committee meeting. Afternoon could involve meeting with a legislator's staff to discuss a bill introduction, followed by coordinating with advocacy groups to build support. The day ends with updating project timelines and preparing for the next day's stakeholder calls.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code Is Looking For

  • A California-licensed attorney with 6+ years of experience, ideally including legislative drafting or advocacy.
  • Deep knowledge of criminal law and procedure, with ability to analyze complex policy issues and write clear memos.
  • Strong network or familiarity with California legislative processes, including experience with bill introduction and stakeholder coordination.
  • Excellent communicator who can present to the Committee and build relationships with legislators and staff.

📝 Tips for Applying to California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code

1

Tailor your resume to highlight legislative experience—list any bills you worked on, their status, and your specific role (e.g., drafting, testimony).

2

In your cover letter, name specific Committee recommendations or enacted bills (e.g., SB 81, AB 333) and explain how your background aligns.

3

If you lack direct legislative experience, emphasize transferable skills like policy analysis, coalition building, or criminal law practice.

4

Address remote work readiness—mention experience with virtual meetings, self-motivation, and cross-time-zone collaboration.

5

Submit a writing sample that demonstrates clear legal analysis on a criminal justice topic; bonus if it includes legislative recommendations.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of the Committee's mission and its enacted bills—show you've researched their work.", 'Specific experience with California legislative processes, including bill drafting, author recruitment, or stakeholder management.', 'Passion for criminal justice reform and how your legal expertise can help translate recommendations into law.', 'Ability to work independently in a remote setting while coordinating with diverse stakeholders (legislators, advocates, committee members).']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Committee's website for all enacted bills and current recommendations (e.g., on sentencing, parole, or discovery reform).
  • → Read recent meeting minutes and public testimony to understand the Committee's dynamics and key issues.
  • → Study the California legislative process, including how bills move through committees and the role of the Governor.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key criminal justice reform organizations in California (e.g., Californians for Safety and Justice) that may be stakeholders.
Visit California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would identify and approach a legislator to introduce a Committee recommendation.
2 Describe a time you managed a complex legislative initiative—what was your role and what was the outcome?
3 How would you handle conflicting priorities between Committee members or stakeholders?
4 What do you see as the biggest challenge in California criminal law reform today, and how would you address it in this role?
5 Given the remote nature, how do you stay organized and ensure timely progress on multiple legislative tracks?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on litigation or court experience—this role is about legislation, not trials.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'criminal justice reform' without referencing California-specific laws or the Committee's work.
  • Don't downplay the importance of technical legislative drafting—this role requires precision and attention to statutory language.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code!

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