Closing Date: 5th October, 2026

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
Explore Attorney Careers at CalPERS Live Webinar: Join us on Wednesday, September 16 from 10 a.m to 11 a.m.for an inside look at current Attorney roles within CalPERS. Learn about the types of legal matters our attorneys support, the structure of the Legal Office, day to day expectations, and steps you can take to prepare an application. Register for the session using this link.

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning October 26, 2026.

The CalPERS Legal Office seeks to fill multiple Attorney vacancies across four units to represent CalPERS in litigation and provide formal and informal legal advice regarding all legal issues at CalPERS, including the areas of benefit and membership entitlement, health care, fiduciary matters, ethics, contracts, information technology, information security, data privacy, public records, operations, open meetings and investment-related matters.

Attorney in the Pension and Tax Unit:
Advise staff on a variety of legal issues relating to CalPERS program divisions, including Customer Services and Support, Benefit Services, Financial Office, Pension Contracts and Prefunding Programs, Actuarial Office, Office of Audit Services, Public Affairs, Legislative Affairs, and Strategy, Projects & Data Divisions.

Attorney III, and 1 Attorney IV in the Health, Contract Operations, and Information Security Advice Unit:
Advise leadership and program staff in the Health Policy and Benefits Branch regarding healthcare matters confronted under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA), including statutory interpretation, establishment and maintenance of contracts with Health Maintenance Organization plans, a self-funded Preferred Provider Organization administrator, the pharmacy benefit manager, the self-funded long-term care program, and health care reform.

Attorney in the Investments Advice Unit:
Advising leadership and team members in the negotiation of investment transactions and investment related contracts pertaining to requests for proposals.

Attorneys, 1 Attorney IV, and 1 Attorney V in the Litigation and Hearings Unit:
Initiates and represents CalPERS in administrative and court proceedings by preparing cases by identifying and interviewing witnesses; securing and evaluating evidence; preparing arguments; law and motion, mediation, organizing case presentations and conducting trials. *These positions may require travel to hearings.

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.surveymonkey.com/r/7VZHJVM)

Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • Attorney (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778)
  • Attorney III (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5795)
  • Attorney IV (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5780)
  • Attorney V (https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5781)

Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist (http://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobApplicationPackageChecklist.aspx?JobControlId=529988)
  • Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=33415405&name=CombinedDutyStatements.pdf)

Department Information:
The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) 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 CalPERS, we're committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS 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, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website! (https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/about/organization/diversity-equity-inclusion)

To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8_Q79n8jJs)

Special Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, 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 CalHR's CalCareers website. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearch.aspx)

Career Services & Outreach
Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation? The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach (CSO) team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS 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: CalPERS 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: 10/5/2026

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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How to Apply:
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply elect