Labor Relations Counsel III

Job Description and Duties

We are advertising this position as until filled, and will review applications every 15 days with the first cutoff on 6/13.

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. This honor reflects our investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. 

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!

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.

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

Are you looking to pioneer new case law?  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 general direction of an Assistant Chief Counsel (ACC), and under the general supervision of the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel, the Attorney III is an advanced journey level attorney who has developed expertise in labor, employment, personnel, and administrative law. The Attorney III has demonstrated they can perform the legal work of greater complexity and sensitivity on an independent basis. The Attorney III provides representation in matters of greater difficulty, complexity, and sensitivity than do the lower level Attorneys.

How to Apply
Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job . If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at View email address on calcareers.ca.gov . We’d love to hear from you!

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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 is eligible for a Hire-Above-Minimum salary rate.

*This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. 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.

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.

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.

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

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

Additional Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

• Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
• U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

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 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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.