Closing Date: 9th August, 2026

Description:

Basic Function:
This is an appellate position in the Office of Attorney General's Criminal Law Division, which includes handling of state criminal appeals, as well as proceedings under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act and federal habeas corpus matters. A primary job requirement is excellent written and oral advocacy skill. Experience with evidentiary hearings or trials is preferred.

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.

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 hearings in state post-conviction and federal habeas actions, as well as appellate arguments.

Examples of Duties:

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 and responding to motions, and appearing in evidentiary hearings in federal court
Represents the Commonwealth and defends judgments of conviction and sentence on direct appeal, and represents the Commonwealth as the appellant in criminal matters
Performs additional and related work as required

Minimum Experience and Training
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