Assistant Chief Counsel

Covered California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Covered California seeks an Assistant Chief Counsel to drive legal strategy within the Office of Legal Affairs, reporting to the Assistant General Counsel/Director. You will lead a talented team, navigate complex policy challenges, and influence decisions advancing Covered California’s programs and goals.

You will manage daily operations, oversee outside counsel and contracts, and collaborate with executive leadership to shape legal policy and program initiatives in a public entity context.

Qualifications

• Act as a legal advisor to senior management and executive leadership
• Experience leading a team of attorneys and professional staff
• Breadth of state and federal law experience for public entities
• Excellent analytical, research, and written/oral communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the Office of Legal Affairs’ daily operations and strategic initiatives
• Shape legal and policy responses involving health care programs, privacy, contracts, and public records
• Guide attorneys and staff while overseeing outside counsel, vendors, and contracts
• Build partnerships with executive leaders, government agencies, legislative staff, health plans, and stakeholders

Skills

Legal leadership

Policy analysis

Contract oversight

Public records

Regulatory compliance

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

As Assistant Chief Counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs, you will drive legal strategy at the center of Covered California’s mission to expand access to quality health coverage. As one of the two Assistant Chief Counsels in the Office of Legal Affairs reporting to the Assistant General Counsel/Director, you will help navigate evolving legal and policy challenges, guide a talented team, and influence decisions that advance Covered California’s programs and goals. If you are an experienced attorney and leader with exceptional judgment, strategic insight, and the ability to build trust across complex and sensitive environments, we encourage you to apply!

In this role, you will….

• Lead the Office of Legal Affairs’ daily operations, personnel management, and strategic initiatives.
• Shape legal and policy responses involving health care programs, the Affordable Care Act, privacy, regulatory compliance, contracts, and public records.
• Guide attorneys and staff while overseeing outside counsel, vendors, and contracts.
• Build effective partnerships with executive leaders, government agencies, legislative staff, health plans, and other stakeholders through diplomacy, flexibility, and sound judgment.

Application Deadline: 9/14/2026 @ 11:59 pm PST

Required Documents: Application, Resume, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Qualifications We’re Looking For:

• Ability to act as a legal advisor to management and executive leadership, including the ability to formulate legal policy and initiate and recommend strategic changes impacting programs and the organization to meet objectives and further the mission.
• Strong leadership skills and experience running a team of attorneys and professional legal staff including experience in and knowledge of management principles, personnel and equal employment opportunity policies, budget administration, and contract oversight.
• Breadth and variety of experience as an attorney in areas of state and federal law applicable to Covered California as a public entity and state-based marketplace under the Affordable Care Act.
• Excellent analytical, research, and written and oral communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects with short-term deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications for Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel:

• Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel

Employee Benefits:

Covered California provides incredible benefits for our employees, including healthcare, retirement and savings, work-life services, leave benefits, and work-life balance. To learn more, visit https://hbex.coveredca.com/careers/benefits/.