Closing Date: 26th May, 2026

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
Under general direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney V works on the most difficult and complex legal assignments. This position studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other authorities; provides oral and written advice regarding multifaceted legal issues to staff and executive management; drafts and negotiates complex and significant contracts and agreements; works with broad discretion and independence and is expected to have the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the most complex areas of the law within one or more of the following subject matters: construction, procurements, public works, design/build, infrastructure, contracts, condemnation and inverse condemnation, real property, funding and financing, environmental and land use, personnel/employment, open meetings, public records, conflicts of interest, governance, state legislation, and state and federal laws and regulations. Attorneys at this level are recognized as having an exceptional level of expertise that distinguishes such person in a special field of knowledge and will serve as the Legal Office's top expert in that field. Work at this level involves innovative theories, practices of law, and specialization in an area of law overseen by or involving the Authority and requires contact with the Legislature, high-level Governor appointees, constitutional officers, Board members, local officials, and/or the public. This position also works closely with, and directs, private outside counsel and the Attorney General's Office regarding legal advice and litigation.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=31920282&name=DSAttorneyV311-160-5781-001.pdf)

Working Conditions:
Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
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=518033)
  • Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=31920282&name=DSAttorneyV311-160-5781-001.pdf)

Department Information:
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.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC

Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/

Special Requirements:
The position(s) require(s) a(n) California State Bar License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

Describe how your work experience has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of the Attorney V position. Provide specific examples of your experience in handling the different tasks set forth in the duty statement.

Describe your experience communicating, interacting with, and meeting the expectations of, several clients with different objectives and priorities, including developing and delivering clear and persuasive written materials or oral presentations. Specify the type of presentation or written document submitted and your specific involvement in preparing and presenting the information.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

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: 5/26/2026

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.

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 electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources (MP)
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources (MP)
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ 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 eval