Job Posting: Deputy General Counsel

CA High Speed Rail Authority

JC-515458
-
Deputy General Counsel
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL

$14,513.00 - $17,742.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 5/1/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the General Counsel, the Attorney, Assistant Chief Counsel (Deputy General Counsel) is responsible for supervising, planning, directing, coordinating, and reviewing the work of the Authority’s legal staff while performing the most sensitive and complex legal work consistently with favorable results for the Authority. The Deputy General Counsel position provides analysis, advice, and representation to all levels of the Authority on a wide range of complex and sensitive legal matters affecting the policies and the administration of the Authority.

The Deputy General Counsel must be knowledgeable in the legal principles and court procedures and the rules of evidence and procedure for administrative, civil (state and federal) law and conduct of proceedings before administrative bodies, such as the Public Works Board and the State Personnel Board; and in the operation of the Bagley Keene Opening Meeting Act and the Public Records Act. The Deputy General Counsel will work with outside counsel, including the Office of the Attorney General and private law firms, to ensure complicated legal issues and litigation are effectively managed.

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-515458
Position #(s):
311-160-5871-001
Working Title:
Deputy General Counsel
Classification:
ATTORNEY, ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL
$14,513.00 - $17,742.00
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey.
Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC


Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1. Describe how your work experience has prepared you to perform the responsibilities of the Assistant Chief Counsel position. Provide specific examples of your experience in handling the different tasks set forth in the duty statement.

2. Describe your experience and ability to communicate effectively, including developing and delivering clear and persuasive written materials or oral presentations to decisionmakers or influencers, including for example Executive Management, the Governor’s Office, State Control Agencies or Stakeholder groups on complex and high-profile legal issues. Specify the type of presentation or written document submitted and your specific involvement in preparing and presenting the information.

3. Describe your experience in advising on complex, sensitive, high-profile contracts and/or real property transactions for compliance with law and policy.  

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/1/2026

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources (MP)
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources (MP)
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:
  • A member in good standing with the California State Bar.
  • Experience supervising attorneys and other staff, while following human resources laws and rules.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements, with an emphasis on construction contracts.
  • Experience working with sensitive and confidential documents, such as settlement agreements and non-disclosure agreements.
  • Experience managing multiple clients and priorities.
  • Experience weighing legal, technical and political risk to provide guidance to others.
  • Experience interpreting policies, procedures, rules, and/or regulations.
  • Experience working with a board or other governing body.
  • Possess basic computer skills, such as word processing, Internet, email.
  • Works well with others, both internal and external to the organization.
  • Ability to reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex governmental and managerial problems.
  • Ability to develop and evaluate policy, proposed legislation and regulations, and alternative solutions affecting the operation of the Authority.
  • Ability to analyze data, develop alternative solutions, and present ideas and information effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to represent the Authority at meetings, public hearings, and other legal proceedings
  • Ability to gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during the work.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple, changing assignments within short deadlines.
  • Knowledge of public contract law, environmental, real property, construction and bond law.
  • Knowledge and ability to review and assist in the preparation of state contracts.
  • Ability to draft statutes.
  • Ability to prepare correspondence involving the explanation of legal matters.
  • Ability to analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action.
  • Ability to use legal research tools such as Westlaw.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Work well in a team-oriented environment, with strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to communicate with a diverse community, which may involve exposure to aggressive clientele or adversarial conditions.
  • Experience in personnel and employment law.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
(916) 669-6606
Recruitment@hsr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 324-1541
eeo@hsr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of 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. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-515458 and Deputy General Counsel, 311-160-5871-001 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer’s market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job