Closing Date: 29th April, 2024
Description:
Job Description and Duties:Are you interested in joining a newly-created team charged with enforcing constitutional policing practices on behalf of the Attorney General and the State of California? The Police Practices Section (PPS) is seeking experienced and motivated attorneys to join our new team within the California Department of Justice.
The Attorney General has constitutional and statutory oversight authority relating to local law enforcement agencies in California. PPS handles a broad range of investigations, formal and informal reviews, and other actions related to local law enforcement agencies on behalf of the Attorney General. The advertised positions will support PPS's general constitutional policing investigations under California Civil Code section 52.3 and the implementation of Assembly Bill 1506, including Government Code sections 12525.3, subd. (b)(2)(B)(iii) and 12525.3, subd. (c). PPS will work on general issues relating to policing, including use of force and de-escalation, officer-involved shootings, operations, management and supervision, such as hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination of sworn officers, and community engagement and civilian oversight of local law enforcement agencies. Individuals hired into the advertised positions will have significant engagement with other sections and divisions of the Department of Justice, including the Division of Law Enforcement, the Criminal Law Division, the Civil Division, and other sections of the Public Rights Division, as well as other state and local agencies. Well-qualified candidates will have demonstrated a subject matter expertise with law enforcement issues, as well as a commitment to social justice, countering bias, and advancing the rights of Californians through investigation, litigation, or other forms of advocacy, as explained in their statement of qualifications.
Assignments in the Police Practices Section may include: affirmatively planning, organizing, managing, and conducting large-scale investigations and civil litigation, often on cutting edge, novel issues of law and fact; researching complex factual and legal issues on emerging constitutional rights and civil liberties issues relating to policing practices; engaging with law enforcement agencies, civil rights organizations, other advocates, and members of the public; providing advice on sensitive and high-profile matters to the Attorney General, other high level state officials and agencies, and other sections and divisions of the Department of Justice; reviewing and analyzing proposed state legislation; preparing informational materials for the public; and developing model policies, training, and best practices for state and local law enforcement agencies. The most competitive candidates will have significant experience with systemic impact investigations and/or developing and litigating complex matters in federal and state courts.
Click on the following link to complete the California Department of Justice Recruitment Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P7X675V
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements:
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Department Information:
Special Requirements:
- Deputy Attorney General IV
- Deputy Attorney General III
- Deputy Attorney General V
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Department Information:
- These positions are located in the Division of Public Rights, Police Practices Section, and may be filled in Oakland, Sacramento or Los Angeles.
- 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.
- DAG V consideration - lateral transfers only.
- For more information about the department, 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 new webpage: Become a DOJ Deputy Attorney General | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General.
Special Requirements:
- A fingerprint check will be required.
- JC-421931 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. Process is described at https://oag.ca.gov/careers/how-to-apply
- Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:
- 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
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:
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:
The Police Practices Section is seeking candidates with all ranges of experience as an attorney in terms of years of practice, professional experience, especially including investigations and litigation. Because PPS handles matters focused on oversight of local law enforcement agencies, the most competitive candidates will possess a background in this subject matter area, as described above, though general experience in civil rights investigations and enforcement will also be considered.
Statement of Qualifications
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Do not submit a cover letter. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's skills, relevant experience, and ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Considering the Job Description and Duties and the Desirable Qualifications for this position, address the following questions:
Provide a written narrative for each question in separate, clearly labeled sections. Your response must be a typed, 2-3 page document, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font.
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Do not submit a cover letter. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's skills, relevant experience, and ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Considering the Job Description and Duties and the Desirable Qualifications for this position, address the following questions:
- Why are you interested in a position handling police practices investigations and enforcement with the California Department of Justice?
- Describe and explain your knowledge of any areas of constitutional policing, law enforcement oversight, or general civil rights practice. In your response, include any experience you have that demonstrates the extent, depth, and breadth of your knowledge.
- Describe your experience with investigations, litigation, and legislative advocacy and policy work, including (if applicable) your progressive responsibilities and experience working on teams.
Provide a written narrative for each question in separate, clearly labeled sections. Your response must be a typed, 2-3 page document, using 1-inch margins and 12-point font.
