[Hiring] Senior Employment Law & HR Compliance Legal Counsel @San Diego Association of Governments

Role Description

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking a specialized Counsel (reporting to the General Counsel) to focus exclusively on the complex landscape of employment law and human resources. This is a critical role for a legal professional who excels at proactive risk management.

In this position, you will move beyond high-level advice to become a hands-on architect of our workplace culture, ensuring that every stage of the employee lifecycle—from the first interview to post-employment—is legally sound and ethically grounded.

Job Responsibilities

• Audit and overhaul agency-wide practices to ensure strict adherence to the FLSA (exempt/non-exempt classifications), FMLA/CFRA, and ADA/FEHA interactive processes.
• Serve as primary counsel in defending the agency against claims filed with the EEOC, DLSE, or equivalent state civil rights departments.
• Provide direct legal oversight for complex disability requests, ensuring the agency meets its "good faith" obligations while maintaining operational standards.
• Guide management through the legal requirements of public sector discipline, including advising on administrative evidentiary hearings.
• Assist with high-level privileged investigations into sensitive allegations of discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, or misconduct.
• Develop and deliver customized legal training for supervisors on implicit bias, harassment prevention, and documentation best practices to mitigate litigation risk before it starts.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll practices, meal and rest break compliance, and independent contractor classifications.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing employment law. Candidates with a mix of private firm defense and public agency experience are highly encouraged.
• Deep knowledge of Title VII, the ADEA, and state-specific employment codes.
• A firm grasp of Constitutional Law as it pertains to public employment (e.g., First Amendment retaliation claims and Fourth Amendment privacy expectations).
• Ability to mediate internal disputes and facilitate difficult conversations between management and staff.
• Confidence in presenting legal risks and policy recommendations to a Board of Directors or elected officials.
• The skill to dissect complex statutes and apply them to the nuances of public service operations.
• Absolute integrity in handling highly sensitive personnel records and confidential investigations.
• Experience performing and coordinating supervisory and advanced level professional, analytical, and administrative duties for assigned Office of General Counsel programs, services, and activities.
• Experience providing comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance for complex, multi-phase organizational initiatives and long-term projects.
• Experience developing and composing draft state, federal, and local legislation.

Requirements

• The final candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and credit check.
• This recruitment is open for a two-week period or until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
• This employer does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Expected Start Date

August 2026