Labor Relations Counsel III

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. Note: 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 click.appcast.io. We’d love to hear from you! You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website for more information. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

ATTORNEY III

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 #J-18808-Ljbffr State of California