Closing Date: 1st July, 2026

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
California is a global leader in environmental protection, law, and regulation. The Environmental Justice and Protection Section seeks talented, experienced, and dedicated attorneys to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge matters in environmental law. On behalf of the People of California, section members represent California interests and enforce environmental laws on a broad range of critical issues, including climate change, drinking water, clean energy, endangered species, air quality, hazardous waste, and toxic chemicals. As a Deputy Attorney General in the section, you would:

File, brief, and argue complex environmental cases in state and federal courts at every stage from investigation through appeal;
Coordinate multi-agency and multi-state coalitions on landmark environmental actions involving the federal government;
Enforce laws to reduce pollution in fenceline communities;
Conduct investigations and advise the Attorney General on emerging environmental threats; and
Partner with District Attorneys on joint civil and criminal environmental prosecutions.

In addition to participating in some of the most consequential environmental litigation in the nation, you would receive the satisfaction and benefits that come with a public service career in California state government. When you join the California Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a community of talented, driven, and supportive professionals and accessing one of the nation's most comprehensive public service compensation packages featuring exceptional health benefits and the security of a CalPERS pension.

If you have significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts and a proven background or interest in environmental law, then we hope you will submit your application.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions:
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on DOJ's current telework policy. While DOJ supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.

Minimum Requirements:

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Deputy Attorney General IV
Deputy Attorney General
Deputy Attorney General III
Deputy Attorney General V

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Department Information:

This position is located in the Division of Public Rights, Environmental Justice and Protection Section, and may be filled in either San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Fresno or Sacramento. Please clearly indicate your preferred city or cities in the 'Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying' section of your State Application.
Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a “Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) salary (Hiring Above Minimum Policy).
The starting salary for each classification will be:

Deputy Attorney General Range A (0-24 months): $8,846 and Range B (2-5 years): $9,956
Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $12,046
Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $13,313
Deputy Attorney V (lateral only): $14,051

New to State candidates in the DAG series will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the classifications.
DAG V consideration - lateral transfers only.
For more information about the Department of Justice, please visit the Attorney General's website at http://www.oag.ca.gov
If you'd like to speak with a recruiter prior to submitting your application, please email Recruiters@doj.ca.gov
Please visit our webpage: Become a DOJ Deputy Attorney General | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General.
Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR.

Special Requirements:

A fingerprint check will be required.
JC-519608 must be clearly stated in the "Examination or Job Title(s) for which you are Applying" section located on page one of your state application.
Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the California Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at https://oag.ca.gov/careers/how-to-apply
You do not have to take an exam before you apply for a job. However, you must complete and pass the exam to be eligible for hire.
Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:

DAG/Attorney exam – less than 5 years of experience: DAG/Attorney Examination
DAG III exam– at least 5 years of legal experience: DAG III Examination
DAG IV exam– at least 6 years of legal experience: DAG IV Examination

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: 7/1/2026

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:

Department of Justice
OHR-Nicole Farrah
Attn: Nicole Farrah (JC-519608)
1300 I Street, 7th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice
OHR-Nicole Farrah
Nicole Farrah (JC-519608)
1300 I Street, 7th Floor
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 required and must be included.
Other - A cover letter is required.
Other - Writing sample consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion or appellate brief is required.

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