Closing Date: 18th January, 2026

Description:

Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, the Deputy Counsel, Labor Relations provides legal analysis, advice and counsel, and representation to the District and Human Resource leadership regarding labor and employment matters in a complex, multi union California community college district. This position is the District's primary in house attorney focused on supporting HR in labor relations, collective bargaining, contract administration, employee discipline and performance matters, investigations, grievances, and administrative proceedings. The Deputy Counsel partners closely with Human Resources and college and District leadership teams to help ensure timely, consistent, and legally compliant responses to workplace issues while supporting District and college operations and goals.

Typical Duties:
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to:
Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

Serve as legal advisor to Human Resources, college leadership, and District management bargaining teams on all aspects of collective bargaining.
Provide legal advice on bargaining strategy, proposals, counterproposals, and costing considerations in both interest based and traditional negotiations.
Review, draft, and interpret collective bargaining agreement language, side letters, memoranda of understanding, and settlement agreements.
Advise on the legal parameters of bargaining, including scope, impasse procedures, information requests, and good faith bargaining obligations.
Support preparation for bargaining, including research, benchmarking, drafting, legal risk analysis, and coordination with internal subject matter experts.

Contract Administration and Dispute Resolution

Provide legal guidance on the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements and District policies.
Advise on handling grievances, complaints, and disputes, including recommended responses and potential settlement options.
Represent, or assist in representing, the District in grievance meetings, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution forums.
Work closely with Human Resources and management to promote consistent approaches to discipline, performance management, and corrective action, aligned with applicable agreements and law.
Support workplace investigations and ensure appropriate coordination between HR, management, and legal counsel.

Administrative and Judicial Proceedings

Represent, or oversee outside counsel representing, the District in administrative proceedings before agencies such as PERB, EEOC, and the California Civil Rights Department, and in other state or federal forums as applicable.
Assist with or manage litigation related to labor and employment matters, including discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour, and related claims.
Evaluate claims and potential claims, assess legal and fiscal risk, and recommend resolution strategies that protect the District's interests.
Manage relationships with outside counsel and oversee assigned matters to ensure effective strategy, quality work product, and cost control.

Policy, Training, and Preventive Counsel

Draft, review, and recommend District policies, administrative regulations, and procedures related to labor and employment, and advise on implementation.
Provide preventive legal services and counsel so District and college operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and District policies.
Develop and provide training for administrators and managers on labor relations topics, contract administration, grievance handling, discipline practices, investigations, and changes in law and policy.

District Governance and Collaboration

Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board committees as assigned to provide legal analysis and advice on labor and employment matters, including closed session topics as appropriate.
Collaborate with District and college leaders, Human Resources, and other operational partners to support consistent and effective labor relations practices.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Professional Qualities:

Experience advising a public sector employer in California on collective bargaining, contract administration, and labor and employment compliance.
Experience with PERB matters, unfair practice charges, grievance arbitration, mediation, and settlement negotiations.
Experience working in or closely with a community college district environment, including familiarity with shared governance and Board processes.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of labor and employment law, including discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, disability accommodation, and leave laws.
Public sector labor relations, including collective bargaining, unfair labor practices, and contract administration.
Rules, procedures, and practices of administrative agencies and courts.
Applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Education Code, Government Code, Title 5, and labor relations statutes relevant to California public employers.

Skill in:

Conducting legal research, analysis, and writing clear, well-reasoned legal opinions and documents.
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents, including collective bargaining agreement language, memoranda of understanding, policies, and settlement agreements.
Managing multiple complex matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to:

Provide clear, practical legal advice that balances legal risk, operational needs, and institutional priorities.
Build credibility and trust with District leadership, managers, Human Resources staff, and union representatives.
Communicate complex legal concepts in accessible language, both orally and in writing.
Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and model professional ethics.
Work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse, equity focused educational environment.

Working Conditions:
Primarily office based with frequent meetings across District locations. May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings (for example bargaining sessions, Board meetings, hearings) as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Have a law degree from an accredited institution.
Have a license to practice law in the State of California.
Membership in good standing with the California Bar Association (membership in good standing must be maintained throughout employment with the Los Rios Community College District).
Have five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, with substantial responsibility in labor and employment and or labor relations matters.
Have an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles; and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Application Instructions:
Before You Apply:
Follow the steps below to ensure your application is complete and ready for review. Applicants not following the guidelines below may be disqualified. Do not submit additional materials not requested or you may be disqualified.

Required Application Documents:
Applicants must attach the following:

Los Rios Community College District Application
Letter of Interest
Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional Instructions:

Only information listed on the application and transcripts will be used to verify Minimum Qualifications.
Applications stating “see resume” will be disqualified.
Applications missing any required documentation will be disqualified.