Closing Date: 15th June, 2026

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
The Tort & Condemnation Section seeks skilled civil litigators to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, serving as legal counsel to state officers, agencies, boards and commissions in complex civil litigation in both state and federal court. Deputies within the section handle a diverse caseload, with matters including civil rights, mass torts, flood and fire, excessive force, premises liability, wrongful death and personal injury claims. This trial-focused section balances teamwork and guidance with professional independence. Each of our attorneys manages their own calendar and caseload, providing the opportunity to personally handle every aspect of litigation from inception to resolution. In addition to engaging in robust investigation, research, and motion practice, our Deputies gain both first- and second-chair trial and appellate experience in courts throughout the state.

The Tort & Condemnation Section seeks litigators dedicated to representing the interests of the State of California in complex, high-profile litigation. Duties within the section include:

First- and second-chairing jury trials
Appearing in state and federal court at all trial and appellate levels
Handling a variety of matters that are often high-profile and involve issues of first impression
Communicating and coordinating directly with clients about case status, strategy, and recommendations
Engaging in affirmative and defense discovery
Consistently evaluating the case for potential resolution through motion practice, mediation, or settlement
Investigating facts and analyzing documentary evidence
Working collaboratively with team members
Representing the Attorney General's Office with the highest ethical and professional standards

All applicants must reside in California and be members in good standing of the California State Bar. This is a hybrid position, and while our Deputies have the option to telework the majority of the time, all Deputies are required to attend in-person meetings at their local office and as operational needs require. Whether teleworking or in the office, Deputies must be available for meetings and promptly respond to emails and phone calls during regular business hours. Travel and in-person attendance may be required for trials, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, and operationally as needed.

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

Minimum Requirements:

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

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

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Department Information:

These positions are located in the Division of Civil Law, Tort & Condemnation Section and may be filled in Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Please clearly indicate which city you would prefer to work in your cover letter.
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 General V (Lateral): $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 please visit the Attorney General's website at www.oag.ca.gov.
If you would like to speak with a recruiter prior to submitting your application, please email recruiters@doj.ca.gov.
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.
May be required to travel to remote locations within the State, sometimes with little notice.
Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-518352) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your STD 678 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: http://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: 6/15/2026

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-Heather Nguyen
Attn: Heather Nguyen (JC-518352)
1300 I Street Suite 720
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-Heather Nguyen
Heather Nguyen (JC-518352)
1300 I Street Suite 720
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 - Cover letter.
Other - Writing sample (20 pages maximum) reflecting legal analysis, analytical abilities, and effective writing style, such as a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, appellate brief, or settlement evaluation letter, preferably written within last year.

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:<