Attorney

California High-Speed Rail Authority; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The California High-Speed Rail Authority in Sacramento is seeking an Attorney IV to provide a broad spectrum of legal advice on operations and objectives, with high complexity or sensitivity. The role requires advanced NEPA knowledge and CEQA familiarity, and involves drafting agreements, negotiating settlements, and coordinating with outside counsel.

The Attorney IV will research authorities, draft and edit complex documents, and advise Authority staff while safeguarding confidentiality and

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of NEPA and familiarity with CEQA.
• Experience with environmental permitting and mitigation laws.
• Experience drafting and reviewing environmental documents with CEQA/NEPA.
• Experience negotiating and/or litigating complex contracts.
• Ability to work with outside counsel and coordinate litigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide broad legal advice on contracts, environment, procurements, public policy and related subjects.
• Draft, edit, negotiate and provide advice on complex agreements and settlements.
• Supervise outside counsel and coordinate litigation efforts.
• Research and analyze legal authorities to support Authority staff.

Skills

Communication

Legal research/writing

Legislation/Regulations drafting

Independent judgment

Confidentiality

Public agency liaison

Environmental law

Attention to detail

Policy knowledge

CEQA/NEPA familiarity

Job description

Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.

About the Role

Under general direction of an Attorney Supervisor, the Attorney IV will be responsible for providing a broad spectrum of legal advice on diverse subjects related to the Authority’s operations and objectives, with a high level of difficulty or sensitivity. The Attorney IV is expected to possess advanced knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The incumbent will complete assignments and provide legal advice and guidance by using state and federal legal authority in some or all of the following areas of law as well: contracts, environmental and land use, procurements, real property and eminent domain, open meetings, public records, conflicts of interest, governance, construction, public works, public infrastructure, public-private partnerships, utilities, public funding and financing, personnel and employment, and/or administrative law. The Attorney IV must be familiar with the associated state and federal laws and regulations and understand how such laws and regulations apply to public entities and public projects. The incumbent researches and analyzes legal authorities and provides oral and written advice to Authority staff; drafts, edits, negotiates and provides advice on complex agreements and settlements; and works collaboratively with other members of the Legal Office and the Authority’s staff. The incumbent also works closely with, and directs the work of, outside counsel regarding legal advice and litigation.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct legal research and writing, sometimes under short deadlines.
• Experience drafting legal documents such as legislation, regulations or contracts.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment and confidentiality.
• Ability to operate independently, but with the judgment to know when to ask for assistance and guidance from a supervisor or colleague.
• Ability to represent the Authority in dealings with other government agencies and private entities in a way that reflects well on the Authority.
• Ability to advise high-level governmental or corporate entitles on environmental legal matters.
• Dependable, punctual, excellent attendance.
• Knowledge of the Authority organization, operations and relevant policy issues.
• Prepare correspondence involving inclusion of recommendations for effective courses of action.
• Experience working with environmental permitting and mitigation laws.
• Experience drafting and reviewing environmental documents with an emphasis on CEQA and NEPA legal matters.
• Experience negotiating and/or litigating complex contracts or settlements.
• Exercise good judgment and calm professionalism in all situations.

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer’s market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.