Labor Relations Counsel IV

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR); Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is seeking an Attorney IV to litigate administrative hearings and writs, motions, and appeals in civil court, while collaborating with a team of attorneys and providing in-house counsel on employment matters.

The role emphasizes labor and employment law expertise, ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to influence public policy through significant cases and opinions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of labor and employment law and administrative law.
• Experience in litigation before superior or federal courts or administrative agencies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Litigate administrative hearings, writs, motions and appeals in civil court.
• Provide in-house counsel on employment and personnel matters and related duties.
• Draft legal opinions for high-level executives and advise on sensitive issues.
• Mentor junior attorneys and collaborate with a team of attorneys.

Skills

Labor & employment law

Litigation experience

Communication skills

Education

California State Bar License

Job description

**This position is eligible for a Hire-Above-Minimum salary rate.**

We are advertising this position as until filled and will review applications every 15 days with the first cutoff on 8/18.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. 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.

• The office is located at 1810 16th Street, Sacramento
• Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience.

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. Get to know us more here!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role.

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?

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—incorporating 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.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Classification:

ATTORNEY IV

$11,993.00 - $16,096.00 L/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 required and must be included.
• 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