Graduate Legal Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

*This is a 12-month Limited-Term position; It may be extended for up to 24 months.*
Under close supervision of the Assistant General Counsel, the Graduate Legal Assistant provides legal support for the Agency's Multifamily and Single Family lending programs, including performing litigation duties, conducting statutory and regulatory research and analyses.
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:

• Analytical skills
• Experience with real estate finance and lending legal documents
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders
• Basic knowledge of litigation
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work with a team and with people from diverse backgrounds

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Hybrid telework schedules are available. The amount of telework is at CalHFA's discretion and is based on operational needs. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL BE REQUIRED WEEKLY .
Our office is in 500 Capitol Mall , a high-rise building conveniently located in downtown Sacramento with access to public transportation (light rail and bus) and freeways (I-5, 99, and Business 80). It is one block from Downtown Commons (DOCO), the Golden 1 Center, and many restaurants. Employees also have free access to the gym located in the building.
Candidates who are new to state service will be placed at the minumum of the salary range.
Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employers in the U.S. CalHFA is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking a brief survey
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• GRADUATE LEGAL ASSISTANT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527387
Position #(s):
693-938-5797-XXX
Working Title:
Graduate Legal Assistant
Classification:
GRADUATE LEGAL ASSISTANT $5,227.00 - $6,238.00 A
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:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Work Week:
Monday-Friday
Department Information CALIFORNIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
CalHFA has held its certification as a Great Place To Work® since 2021. Join us in helping more Californians to have a place to call home.
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL:
The Office of General Counsel manages the legal affairs of California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) by providing advice on day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. The Office of General Counsel also supports CalHFA's Asset Management, Financing, Single Family Lending, and Multifamily Lending Programs.
OUR VISION:
Every Californian can build a thriving life in a stable home.
OUR MISSION:
Deliver reliable financing solutions to advance housing opportunities for Californians.
Established in 1975, CalHFA was chartered as the state's affordable housing lender. Our Agency's Multifamily Division finances the development of affordable rental and our Single Family Division provides down payment assistance to low and moderate income first-time homebuyers. CalHFA is a completely self-supporting state agency that does not rely on taxpayer dollars for its operation costs, but regularly administers various state and federal resources on behalf of the state.
At CalHFA, we embrace a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive for everyone by building an organization that is as diverse as the communities we serve. CalHFA believes that diversity provides a competitive advantage, strengthens our innovative capacity, and enhances our ability to succeed and grow.
Department Website: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov
Special Requirements
The Employment History section of the STD 678 Employment Application must be complete and include accurate dates, hours per week, total time worked, duties performed, and supervisor names and phone numbers.

• Applicants who fail to submit a thoroughly completed STD 678 may be disqualified.
• Resumes or other documents do not substitute the STD 678.
• Only the most qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.

Use these links to review the State Application Checklist and Supplemental Application checklist to help you understand how to complete a strong state application and address some frequently asked questions.
In order to be considered for this job, you must satisfy one of the following requirements:
BE LIST ELIGIBLE :
Successfully complete the State civil service exam for the Graduate Legal Assistant classification
OR
BE TRANSFER ELIGIBLE:
Have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable (employees who wish to be considered based on transfer eligibility must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification per DPA Rule 250)
OR
BE REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLE:
Have obtained previous permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable.
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: 8/17/2026
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 Housing Finance Agency
Lindsey Leon
Attn: CA Housing Finance Agency
500 Capitol Mall
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
CA Housing Finance Agency
Lindsey Leon
CA Housing Finance Agency
500 Capitol Mall
Sacramento , CA 95814
Your application will be left with lobby staff, you will not meet anyone from CalHFA.
08:30 AM - 04:30 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.
• Supplemental Application - A response to the highlighted question below is required in order to be eligible for this position.
  Failure to follow all instructions and provide a relevant response will disqualify an applicant from consideration. Resumes, cover letters, or general statements of qualifications will not be accepted in place of the required response.
  Your response must:
  - Be in 12-point, Times New Roman font, single-spaced
  - Be no more than one (1) page in length
  - Include the question, as it is stated below, above your response
  How do your background and interests align with the responsibilities outlined in the duty statement?
• Other - Law degree or transcripts - Unofficial law school transcripts will be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts is required prior to appointment.

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.
Benefits 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://www.calhfa.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Lindsey Leon
(916) 326-8018
Lindsey.Leon@calhfa.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:
Christina Vinson
(916) 326-8011
Christina.Vinson@calhfa.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.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduate Legal Assistant
Current eligibility to take the California State Bar examination under the Business and Professions Code sections 6060 and 6061. Persons in their last year of law school may compete in the examination but may not be appointed until they have eligibility to take the California State Bar examination.
Incumbents must secure a valid license issued by the California State Bar Association within 24 months of an appointment or the employment may be terminated.
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.