Labor Relations Counsel

Job Description And Duties We are advertising this position as until filled. We will review applications every 15 days, starting 8/18. *This position is eligible for a pay differential of 5% of the monthly base pay rate, as well as a hire-above-minimum salary rate.* 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. 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 all while maintaining a work-life balance and collaborating with a supportive team of attorneys and assistants? 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. Personal Leave Program Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA) Every 12 months, based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. ATTORNEY Additional Documents Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-527114 Position #(s): 363-400-5778-XXX Working Title: Labor Relations Counsel Classification: ATTORNEY $7,969.00 - $10,473.00 L $8,969.00 - $12,026.00 M $7,506.00 - $9,439.00 N $8,448.00 - $10,836.00 O New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. # of Positions: Multiple Work Location: Sacramento County Telework: Hybrid Job Type: Permanent, Full Time Final Filing Date: Until Filled 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. 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). Department Information The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR. Our Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce. Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency. Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer. Department Website: 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. We need Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) 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. Desirable Qualifications 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. Benefits CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at for more information! CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding. Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position. Human Resources Contact Jordan Mariner View phone number on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io Hiring Unit Contact Sandra Lusich View phone number on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io EEO Contact RA Coordinators View phone number on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device. Additional Application Information CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at for more information! CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants. #J-18808-Ljbffr