Closing Date: 15th May, 2025

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
Why join CalHR?
The California Department of Human Resources (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! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EUGuZ93kbU)

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About This Role:
Under the direct supervision of an Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC), and under the general supervision of the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV is an advanced journey level attorney, performing work involving novel theories emerging areas of law, legal specialization, and precedential significance. The Attorney IV is assigned sensitive and difficult litigation and handle cases that may be appealed to the highest courts.

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, AND having multiple telework days?

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—including 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. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=27270363&name=AttorneyIVProposedDS-NewTemplate.pdf)

Working Conditions:
  • Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
  • Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby.
  • Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.
  • Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week. Beginning July 1, 2025, all employees will be required to work in-person at least four days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25.

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.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide. (https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Documents/FINAL%20-%20Candidate%20SOQ%20Guidance%201.pdf)

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