Description
We are advertising this position as until filled. We will review applications every 15 days, starting 6/13.
This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.
- The office is located at 1810 16th Street, Sacramento
- Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.
Why join CalHR?
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work.
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.
About This Role
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.
Under the direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC), and under the general supervision of the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel, the Attorney performs entry level duties to performing legal work of average difficulty with increased independence and responsibility, depending upon the appropriate range of the incumbent.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=32134942&name=363-400-5778-XXXAttorneyDutyStatement.pdf
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification = https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=5778
ATTORNEY
Classification:
ATTORNEY
$7,969.00 - $10,473.00 L/month
$8,969.00 - $12,026.00 M/month
$7,506.00 - $9,439.00 N/month
$8,448.00 - $10,836.00 O/month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
This position is eligible for a pay differential that is 5% of the monthly base pay rate, as well as a hiring-above-minimum (HAM) salary rate.
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.
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for 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 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.
Steps for how to apply = (Please email CalHR's recruiters when you have applied, [email protected])
- For more details of the job responsibilities (Duty Statement,) the minimum requirements, comp/benefits, and more click on the job posting link: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=519960
- You will need to take the Attorney exam if you have not already --> These questions relate to your experience and are used to determine the appropriate job classification based on your background/experience.
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1579
- PLEASE view the details of the “Examination Information” AND the “Training and Experience Examination Preview” in the exam link. This information will help you with the exam.
- Click 'Apply' --> Login or create a CalCareers account if you do not have one already. Then click 'Continue' for the exam.
The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.
- Once you have taken the exam, go back to the job posting if you are not guided there: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=519960 and click Apply --> "I have eligibility' and complete your application. Make sure your application (not your resume) shows how your experiences aligns with the duty statement and meets the minimum qualifications.
- Attach your resume and responses to the Statement of Qualifications. See the "Special Requirements" section for details on the Statement of Qualifications.
--> Not attaching your response to the Statement of Qualifications questions on your application on CalCareers will prevent you from moving forward in the hiring process.
A couple tips to share for the exam and Statement of Qualifications:
- The Statement of Qualifications are like interview questions that you answer in writing. We do recommend using word.doc for your responses and keep to the requirements if it says two pages for example and the specific font of Arial 12 font. Take your time to think about your response in answering the questions. Also check spelling. Please do look at the duty statement from the job posting and match to your experience to answer the questions. Here is a link to more tips: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Documents/FINAL%20-%20Candidate%20SOQ%20Guidance%201.pdf
- For the ‘exam,’ the exams are questions around your experience. Include all your experience from every job to volunteer work, internships, leading groups and/or projects, and more. Don’t sell yourself short. Before you start the exam, review the sample questions in the exam bulletin. This gives you a sense of what we’ll ask you. Have your resume handy. You’ll need it during the exam.
Equal Opportunity Employer
