Closing Date: 12th September, 2026
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of September 28, 2026.
The CalPERS Legal Office is currently seeking an Assistant Chief Counsel to oversee the Litigation Unit.
The Legal Office represents CalPERS in litigation and provides formal and informal legal advice regarding all legal issues at CalPERS, including the areas of benefit and membership entitlement, Board elections, health care, fiduciary matters, ethics, contracts, public records, labor and employment, open meetings, and investment related matters.
The duties of this position include but are not limited to: supervising Attorneys and Senior Attorneys providing a broad range of legal services in the Litigation Unit; initiating and representing CalPERS in the most difficult and complex administrative and court proceedings; making strategic decisions and substantive recommendations, and appearing on behalf of CalPERS in the most complex and sensitive cases at administrative hearings and in court, and before other administrative bodies; providing oral and written legal advice to executives, senior team leaders, and team members; keeping clients informed of the status of all cases and conferring with and advising clients on all substantive matters; supervising litigation in coordination with the Attorney General's Office and outside counsel; and keeping the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel informed on the status of all significant cases.
Telework Information: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.
Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 4.62 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 8 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 4.62 percent reduction in pay.
This position is eligible for a Hire Above Minimum (HAM) salary. Government Code section 19836 authorizes the Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to allow an exception to provide a rate above the established minimum salary range for selected classifications, as determined by CalHR.
How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VZHJVM)
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33170993&name=JC-529730PS1135ACCDutyStatement_8.12.26.pdf)
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
Department Information:
The California Public Employees' Retirement System (cal Pers) Is the Nation's Largest Public Pension Fund, Providing Retirement and Health Benefits to Public Employees, Retirees, and Their Families. Headquartered in Downtown Sacramento, We Are a Destination Employer with An International Reputation for Leadership and Innovation. at Cal Pers, We're Committed to People – the People We Serve, Our Team Members, and The Larger Community Around Us. Cal Pers Is Situated Near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Other Desirable Destinations, and We Offer Competitive Benefit Packages, Compensation, and Opportunities for Advancement.
If You Are Interested in Becoming Part of A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce Where Talent, Experience, and Expertise Are Valued, Cal Pers Invites You to Apply for This Employment Opportunity. to Find out More About Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts, Visit Our Website! (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33170993&name=JC-529730PS1135ACCDutyStatement_8.12.26.pdf)
To Take a Look at Cal Pers as A Destination Employer, View This You Tube Video. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33170993&name=JC-529730PS1135ACCDutyStatement_8.12.26.pdf)
Special Requirements:
Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5871)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=529730)
- Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33170993&name=JC-529730PS1135ACCDutyStatement_8.12.26.pdf)
Department Information:
The California Public Employees' Retirement System (cal Pers) Is the Nation's Largest Public Pension Fund, Providing Retirement and Health Benefits to Public Employees, Retirees, and Their Families. Headquartered in Downtown Sacramento, We Are a Destination Employer with An International Reputation for Leadership and Innovation. at Cal Pers, We're Committed to People – the People We Serve, Our Team Members, and The Larger Community Around Us. Cal Pers Is Situated Near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Other Desirable Destinations, and We Offer Competitive Benefit Packages, Compensation, and Opportunities for Advancement.
If You Are Interested in Becoming Part of A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce Where Talent, Experience, and Expertise Are Valued, Cal Pers Invites You to Apply for This Employment Opportunity. to Find out More About Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts, Visit Our Website! (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33170993&name=JC-529730PS1135ACCDutyStatement_8.12.26.pdf)
To Take a Look at Cal Pers as A Destination Employer, View This You Tube Video. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33170993&name=JC-529730PS1135ACCDutyStatement_8.12.26.pdf)
Special Requirements:
Statement of Qualifications
Please Provide a Statement of Qualifications (soq) for The Hiring Manager's Review. Applications Received without An Soq or Those that Do Not Respond to The Specific Questions Below Will Not Be Considered.
The Soq Must Be Typed, Titled “statement of Qualifications,” and Each Response Must Be Numbered and List All Relevant Experience, Education, and Training, Including Places of Employment, Dates, and Duties Performed.
The Soq Must Not Exceed Two Pages in Length and Must Address the Following:
Minimum Qualifications:
All Experience and Education Relating to The Minimum Qualifications (m Qs) Listed on The Classification Specification Should Be Included in Your Application Package to Clearly Demonstrate how You Meet the M Qs for This Position. if You Are Using Education to Meet M Qs, Please Include Your Transcripts with Your Application Package. if You Have a Degree from Outside of The United States, You Must Submit an Evaluation of This Degree to Determine the Us Equivalency. if You Need an Evaluation, You Can Visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (naces) Website (https://www.naces.org/) to Find Organizations that Provide These Services. the Classification Specification Is Located on This Job Posting Under "minimum Requirements."
Please Note: You May Need to Pass an Examination to Establish List Eligibility Prior to A Final Offer of Employment. to Find and Take an Exam, Visit Cal Hr's Cal Careers Website. (https://www.naces.org/)
Career Services & Outreach
Need Help with Your State Application, Resume, Statement of Qualifications, or Interview Preparation? the Cal Pers Career Services & Outreach (cso) Team Provides Comprehensive Support Throughout the Cal Pers Hiring Process. Our Services Include One-On-One Online Consultations for Application Assistance, Statement of Qualification Review, and Interview Preparation. to Schedule an Appointment and Receive Personalized Guidance from Our Team, Please Use the Following Booking Link: Cal Pers Career Services Consultations. (https://outlook.office365.com/book/CareerServicesOutreachChat30minutes@CalPERSgov.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled)
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 9/12/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List or Leap Eligibility, Are in The Process of Obtaining List Eligibility, or Have Sroa And/or Surplus Eligibility (please Attach Your Letter, if Available). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply. In
Please Provide a Statement of Qualifications (soq) for The Hiring Manager's Review. Applications Received without An Soq or Those that Do Not Respond to The Specific Questions Below Will Not Be Considered.
The Soq Must Be Typed, Titled “statement of Qualifications,” and Each Response Must Be Numbered and List All Relevant Experience, Education, and Training, Including Places of Employment, Dates, and Duties Performed.
The Soq Must Not Exceed Two Pages in Length and Must Address the Following:
- Outline Your Experience Managing Attorneys, Including Your Knowledge of And Experience with Human Resource Matters, Including but Not Limited to Progressive Discipline, Civil Service Hiring, Mentoring, Motivating, and Developing Staff, and Your Leadership Skills and Demonstrated Ability to Think Strategically and Function Effectively as A Member of A Management Team. Please Include Experience You Have Managing a Team Working in A Hybrid Telework Environment.
- Describe Your Experience and Identify the Number of Years that You Have Represented Clients in Litigation Matters Before Federal, State, and Administrative Tribunals. Please Also Describe Any Experience You May Have Working on Cases Involving Class Actions, Corporations and Corporate Governance, Pensions and Trusts, Health Benefits, Employment, Open Meetings, and Public Records. Please Also Describe Your Experience Overseeing Contracted Outside Counsel and Counsel at The Office of The Attorney General.
- Describe Your Experience Advising Executive and Senior Leadership on Legal Risks Facing an Organization, Litigation Strategy and Oversight, Problem Definition, and Conflict Resolution of Complex Legal Issues. Please Include Your Experience Presenting Legal Matters Before a Public Board, Including Any Experience Interacting with The Cal Pers Board or Its Committees Regarding Litigation or Potential Litigation Involving Any Program Administered by Cal Pers.
Minimum Qualifications:
All Experience and Education Relating to The Minimum Qualifications (m Qs) Listed on The Classification Specification Should Be Included in Your Application Package to Clearly Demonstrate how You Meet the M Qs for This Position. if You Are Using Education to Meet M Qs, Please Include Your Transcripts with Your Application Package. if You Have a Degree from Outside of The United States, You Must Submit an Evaluation of This Degree to Determine the Us Equivalency. if You Need an Evaluation, You Can Visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (naces) Website (https://www.naces.org/) to Find Organizations that Provide These Services. the Classification Specification Is Located on This Job Posting Under "minimum Requirements."
Please Note: You May Need to Pass an Examination to Establish List Eligibility Prior to A Final Offer of Employment. to Find and Take an Exam, Visit Cal Hr's Cal Careers Website. (https://www.naces.org/)
Career Services & Outreach
Need Help with Your State Application, Resume, Statement of Qualifications, or Interview Preparation? the Cal Pers Career Services & Outreach (cso) Team Provides Comprehensive Support Throughout the Cal Pers Hiring Process. Our Services Include One-On-One Online Consultations for Application Assistance, Statement of Qualification Review, and Interview Preparation. to Schedule an Appointment and Receive Personalized Guidance from Our Team, Please Use the Following Booking Link: Cal Pers Career Services Consultations. (https://outlook.office365.com/book/CareerServicesOutreachChat30minutes@CalPERSgov.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled)
Application Instructions:
Completed Applications and All Required Documents Must Be Received or Postmarked by The Final Filing Date in Order to Be Considered. Dates Printed on Mobile Bar Codes, Such as The Quick Response (qr) Codes Available at The Usps, Are Not Considered Postmark Dates for The Purpose of Determining Timely Filing of An Application.
Final Filing Date: 9/12/2026
Who May Apply:
Individuals Who Are Currently in The Classification, Eligible for Lateral Transfer, Eligible for Reinstatement, Have List or Leap Eligibility, Are in The Process of Obtaining List Eligibility, or Have Sroa And/or Surplus Eligibility (please Attach Your Letter, if Available). Sroa and Surplus Candidates Are Given Priority; Therefore, Individuals with Other Eligibility May Be Considered in The Event No Sroa or Surplus Candidates Apply. In
