Closing Date: 2nd July, 2026

Description:

Description:
Role:
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking a specialized Counsel (reporting to the General Counsel) to focus exclusively on the complex landscape of employment law and human resources. This is a critical role for a legal professional who excels at proactive risk management.

In this position, you will move beyond high-level advice to become a hands-on architect of our workplace culture, ensuring that every stage of the employee lifecycle—from the first interview to post-employment—is legally sound and ethically grounded.

Overview of the Office of General Counsel
Working in close collaboration with members of the Executive Office, and employees throughout the organization, the Office of General Counsel has a reputation for providing outstanding legal advice and partnering on projects and initiatives that contribute to the overall success of the agency. SANDAG functions in a complex environment and the Legal team is known for being innovative and proactive in facilitating decisions that support achievement of the agency's goals.

Salary Range:
The offer will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Annual Salary Range for Senior Legal Counsel: $138,570- $214,802

Job Responsibilities:
Positions at the Senior level perform complex and difficult legal duties that require highly specialized skills, advanced technical knowledge, strategy development, and expertise, and exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties.

Audit and overhaul agency-wide practices to ensure strict adherence to the FLSA (exempt/non-exempt classifications), FMLA/CFRA, and ADA/FEHA interactive processes.
Serve as primary counsel in defending the agency against claims filed with the EEOC, DLSE, or equivalent state civil rights departments.
Provide direct legal oversight for complex disability requests, ensuring the agency meets its "good faith" obligations while maintaining operational standards.
Guide management through the legal requirements of public sector discipline, including advising on administrative evidentiary hearings.
Assist with high-level privileged investigations into sensitive allegations of discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, or misconduct.
Develop and deliver customized legal training for supervisors on implicit bias, harassment prevention, and documentation best practices to mitigate litigation risk before it starts.
Conduct regular audits of payroll practices, meal and rest break compliance, and independent contractor classifications

Typical Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing employment law. Candidates with a mix of private firm defense and public agency experience are highly encouraged.
Deep knowledge of Title VII, the ADEA, and state-specific employment codes.
A firm grasp of Constitutional Law as it pertains to public employment (e.g., First Amendment retaliation claims and Fourth Amendment privacy expectations).
Ability to mediate internal disputes and facilitate difficult conversations between management and staff.
Confidence in presenting legal risks and policy recommendations to a Board of Directors or elected officials.
The skill to dissect complex statutes and apply them to the nuances of public service operations.
Absolute integrity in handling highly sensitive personnel records and confidential investigations.
Experience performing and coordinating supervisory and advanced level professional, analytical, and administrative duties for assigned Office of General Counsel programs, services, and activities.
Experience providing comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance for complex, multi-phase organizational initiatives and long-term projects.
Experience developing and composing draft state, federal, and local legislation.
The final candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and credit check.

This recruitment is open for a two-week period or until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

This employer does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Employment is contingent upon the employee's ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Expected start date: August 2026