Deputy General Counsel

Job Description and Duties

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 4.62% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 8 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

This position is located in Sacramento. 

Under the general direction of the General Counsel (GC), the Attorney IV assists the GC in the formulation, administration, and implementation of the California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA or Agency) policies and programs. The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) performs the most important and exceptionally complex and sensitive legal research and services, with broad discretion and independence. The DGC provides coordinated, cohesive legal recommendations to the General Counsel and CHHA departments to ensure consistency of policy, practice and vision across the CHHA portfolio.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.

This position requires reporting to the CHHA Sacramento Headquarters office a minimum of four days per week.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Confidentiality

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Employment Application (STD.678)

It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.

CHHA Disclosure Requirements

Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CHHA employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

CHHA utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States. For additional information, please visit the  E-Verify website .

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

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:

• Well-developed and demonstrated skills in legal research, writing, analysis, negotiation, and advocacy.
• Interest in, proficiency, experience and extensive knowledge of the application of land use, planning and zoning, entitlements, real estate development, multi-family housing finance, tribal, and related housing policy and housing policy enforcement laws.
• Proficiency and experience in conducting, managing, and supporting litigation and litigation strategy, including, without limitation, knowledge of state and federal civil procedure, writ practice, and experience drafting and filing legal briefs.
• Demonstrated legal creativity.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with accuracy, to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment as required.
• Ability to provide consultation services to all management.
• Experience with voluminous document review.
• Experience managing a workload with competing priorities and deadlines.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development

Statement of Qualifications

To be considered for this position, the candidate must submit an SOQ with their application. The SOQ also serves as documentation of the candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing and is considered your first interview for the position. If candidate’s qualifications are competitive, they may be invited to come in for an on-site interview. Responses should be no longer than two pages in length total, 11 pt font, single-spaced.

SOQs should include answers to the following:

1. Please describe why you are interested in this position and any unique qualifications that would contribute to your ability to serve successfully in this role.
2. Share your experience with regulations, including drafting and analyzing regulatory language, identifying legal risks, and making recommendations.
3. Describe any relevant area(s) of legal expertise you have related to housing law and/or policy.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - A cover letter is required. 
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see statement of qualifications section below for instructions.