Attorney - Labor Relations Counsel

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR); Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is recruiting an Attorney to litigate administrative hearings, writs, motions, and appeals in civil court. You’ll work in a boutique division with about 15–20 attorneys, handling diverse labor and employment matters and advising executives on sensitive issues.

CalHR attorneys represent CalHR in state and federal courts and appellate proceedings. You will lead cases from inception to resolution, with opportunities to mentor junior attorneys and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of labor and employment law and related litigation.
• Experience litigating before courts or administrative tribunals.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Litigate diverse labor and employment matters in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Provide in-house counsel on employment and personnel issues and draft legal opinions for executives.
• Conduct trainings and workplace investigations while mentoring junior attorneys.

Skills

Labor and employment law

Litigation experience

Administrative litigation

Legal research and analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

California Bar License

Job description

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

*This position is eligible for a pay differential of 5% of the monthly base pay rate, as well as a hire-above-minimum salary rate.*

Why join CalHR?

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals.

About This Role

Do you want to be the first chair attorney litigating administrative hearings, and arguing writs, motions, and appeals in civil court -- all while maintaining a work-life balance, collaborating with a supportive team of attorneys and assistants, and all while maintaining a work-life balance and collaborating with a supportive team of attorneys and assistants?

If so, join the small boutique law firm that is California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Legal Division. You will work on diverse labor and employment duties—including litigating a wide variety of interesting and impactful labor and employment cases, conducting training, performing workplace investigations, providing in-house counsel on employment and personnel matters, and consulting and drafting legal opinions for high level executives on sensitive issues and projects. Unlike many other state departments, CalHR attorneys are authorized to independently represent CalHR and other departments in civil litigation, including both state and federal courts, and appellate courts in labor law matters. Our attorneys regularly argue consequential matters in superior and appellate courts that involve important public policy issues, and which ultimately may result in published decisions and shape the law.

You will enjoy being assigned the majority of your work from the inception of the case and will be the primary attorney working the matter until its resolution. And working alongside approximately 15-20 attorneys, you’ll have the support and collaboration of experienced peers, and the ability to mentor more junior attorneys throughout your tenure at CalHR.

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

Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA):

Every 12 months, based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY

Classification:

ATTORNEY

$7,506.00 - $12,026.00/month

• New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA State BAR License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

• Please describe and give examples of your knowledge of and experience in labor and/or employment law as well as any litigation experience, including administrative litigation. Include any applicable education, volunteer, training, and/or work experience.

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Required Application Package Documents

The Following Items Are Required To Be Submitted With Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit The Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered For This Job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Practical experience in litigation before superior or federal courts, and/or administrative agencies
• Experience in labor and employment law, and administrative law
• Knowledge of the law and abilities in legal research and analysis
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.