Closing Date: 19th January, 2026
Description:
Basic Function:This is an appellate position in the Office of Attorney General's Criminal Law Division. The Appeals and Grand Jury Section represents the Commonwealth in direct appeals from criminal convictions, in proceedings under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act, and in federal habeas corpus litigation. The section also provides legal advice and support to other attorneys, both in the Office and throughout the Commonwealth, on matters relating to law enforcement. The section's work arises from prosecutions within the Office's jurisdiction, as well as referrals from local District Attorneys due to a lack of resources or a conflict of interest.
The primary job requirement is excellent written and oral advocacy skill. Attorneys must also be able to exercise sound prosecutorial judgment and to manage an independent caseload. Although attorneys will be headquartered at a specific location, some travel will be necessary for appellate arguments and for hearings in state post-conviction and federal habeas actions.
Examples of Duties:
- Represents the Commonwealth and defends judgments of conviction and sentence on direct appeal and appeals from Post Conviction Relief Act petitions
- Represents the Commonwealth as the appellant in criminal matters
- Responds to petitions under the Post Conviction Relief Act and other post-conviction motions, and represents the Commonwealth in evidentiary hearings in such matters
- Represents the Commonwealth in federal habeas corpus litigation, drafting answers, responding to motions, and appearing in evidentiary hearings in federal court
- Performs additional and related work as required
Minimum Experience and Training
Individuals who have graduated law school, and are sitting for the February 2026 Bar Exam in the state of Pennsylvania, will be considered for this position as a Law Clerk with continued employment being contingent on the receipt of passing results in April 2026.
Deputy Attorney General I:
Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Deputy Attorney General II:
Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work
Deputy Attorney General III:
Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work
Deputy Attorney General IV:
Graduation from an accredited law school, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work
Applicants must have significant experience in appellate advocacy or its equivalent, preferably in a criminal prosecution setting.
