Labor Relations Counsel III

Labor Relations Counsel III – California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)

Join the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) as a Labor Relations Counsel III. The Department serves as the pillar of human resources management for all state employees.

• Lead and manage diverse labor and employment cases, including civil litigation and appellate work.
• Conduct training, perform workplace investigations, and provide in‑house counsel on employment and personnel matters.
• Draft and consult on legal opinions for high‑level executives on sensitive issues and projects.
• Represent CalHR and other state departments in state and federal courts and appellate courts in labor law matters.
• Serve as the primary attorney from case inception to resolution and mentor junior attorneys.
• Collaborate with a team of 15–20 attorneys and assistants.
• Enjoy a hybrid telework schedule with at least two in‑person days per week.

• Attorney III classification (Class Specification).
• California State BAR license (copy required prior to hire).
• Experience in labor and/or employment law, including litigation before superior or federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Practical experience in litigation before superior or federal courts, and/or administrative agencies.
• Knowledge of labor and employment law and administrative law.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.

• Hybrid telework opportunities; required in‑person work at least two days per week.
• Career development: continuous learning and two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
• Location:
  
  Sacramento County, near downtown Sacramento.
• Work‑life balance through telework and adjustable schedules.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion culture.
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long‑term disability, 11 paid holidays, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, wellness programs, assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.

Final filing date: 2/7/2026. Submit completed application package electronically via Cal Careers or by mail to:

• Department of Human Resources, Human Resources Office, Classification & Hiring Unit, 1515 S Street, North Building, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA .
• Or drop off at 1810 16th Street, Sacramento, CA  (08:00 AM–04:00 PM).

Required documents:
State Examination/Employment Application (STD 678), Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) limited to 2 pages single‑spaced, and California BAR license copy. Resume is optional.

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, nationality, occupation, or any other protected status.