Rita Baljian
Rita Baljian is a dedicated legal and public policy professional currently serving as a Legal Contracts Analyst in the Public Rights Division Executive Office at the California Department of Justice. In this role, she oversees the statewide coordination of legal contracts, ensuring compliance with California Contract Codes, facilitating procurement processes, and supporting attorneys and legal teams across twelve sections. Her work involves managing complex fiscal data and guiding contracts through every stage of the life cycle, from initiation to closeout.
Rita brings over seven years of experience in California government, having served in high-level roles in the Governor’s Office under Governors Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown, as well as in the Office of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. These positions provided her with a deep understanding of executive clemency, public service, and the importance of accessible representation. Her expertise spans litigation support, legal research, and policy strategy, reflecting a strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in government.
Rita earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) and Literature from UC Davis in 2018 and is currently pursuing her J.D. at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (Class of 2026), with a focus in Capital Lawyering. She actively contributes to California’s civic and professional community through mentorship, participation in the DOJ Women Employees Advisory Committee, the New Leaders Council Sacramento Chapter, and the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute. Her academic achievements and professional experience underscore her commitment to public service, equitable governance, and impactful legal strategy.
• University of California, Davis - BA
• Kennedy Inn of Court
• California Department of Justice – Career Development Program
• Capital Lawyering Association
• Women’s Employee Resource Group (previously Women Employees Advisory Committee)
• SheShares Sacramento
• New Leaders Council (NLC) – Sacramento Chapter
• Asian Pacific Islander (API) Institute
• California Scholarship Federation
• Kiwanis Club
What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her success to her love of helping people and making a difference in the lives of others by supporting justice and the law. She is currently in law school, pursuing her law degree, with a graduation date set for May 2026. Inspired by the people she serves, she has been working diligently for nearly nine years and truly enjoys being a lifelong learner and making a meaningful impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your dreams and watch them become your reality and shape your future.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be present, stay resilient, and embrace your womanly superpowers, for we are amazing, adaptable, and strong future leaders.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is balancing my full-time role with the Attorney General’s Office in Sacramento, California, while pursuing my law degree, with graduation slated for May 2026, and preparing to take the Bar exam. This experience allows me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting, build professional expertise, and develop the resilience and skills needed to excel as a future attorney.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
She works tirelessly to uphold justice. Previously, she worked for Governor Clemmons and assisted with the pardons of inmates who needed justice to be served, including one individual who has since become a motivational speaker, helping other past and future inmates change their lives for the better. She is also passionate about empowering women and works closely with mentoring programs to support their growth. Additionally, she is deeply committed to self-care, knowing that taking care of herself allows her to care for others. A true foodie, she enjoys creating recipes and baking, tending to her herb garden, spending time with family and friends, and being a devoted mom to her fur baby and cockatiel.