Closing Date: 29th May, 2026

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning June 15, 2026.

Are you an experienced attorney who thrives on navigating complex legal issues and making strategic decisions? Do you enjoy the challenge of litigation and providing expert counsel on employment law matters? If you're looking for a role where your analytical skills, advocacy, and leadership will help sustain and protect the benefits of California's public employees, this opportunity at CalPERS may be the perfect fit.

Join us and make a meaningful impact by supporting our mission to serve and safeguard the retirement and health benefits of our members. Here, your expertise will be valued as you tackle challenging cases, advise senior leadership, and contribute to the long-term security of those who serve California.

Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Independently preparing cases by identifying and interviewing witnesses; securing and evaluating evidence; preparing arguments and law and motion.
  • Independently making strategic decisions and substantive recommendations, organizing case presentations, and conducting trials.
  • Representing CalPERS in the initiation of and during difficult and complex administrative and court proceedings. Appearing on behalf of CalPERS at administrative hearings and in court and before other administrative bodies.
  • Preparing agenda items for the administrative cases being heard by the Board of Administration (Board). Arguing staff recommendations on administrative cases when heard on the record by the Board during Full Board Hearings.
  • Monitoring and overseeing litigation in coordination with the Attorney General's Office and outside counsel. Keeping clients informed of the status of all cases and conferring with and advising clients of all substantive matters.
  • Reviewing and preparing responses to discovery requests, subpoenas, information requests and Public Record Act requests.
  • 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=31841037&name=JC-517344VacantAttorneyVHCM_4.23.26.pdf)

Working Conditions:
This position may require travel to hearings.

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=517344)
  • Duty Statement (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=31841037&name=JC-517344VacantAttorneyVHCM_4.23.26.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!

To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video.

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 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.

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: 5/29/2026

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 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:
Public Employees Retirement System
Postal
Attn: JC-517344/SY
Human Resources Division, Recruitment
P. O. Box 942718
Sacramento, CA 94229-2718

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Public Employees Retirement System
Drop-Off
HRSD, SSU JC-517344/SY
400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North
1st floor drop box by security desk
Sacramento, CA 95811
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 t