Appeals, Writs, and Trials Attorney - Los Angeles

About the Role

Deputies in the Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section of the Criminal Law Division handle felony criminal appeals and related writs, including those in death penalty cases, before the state superior courts, the California Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. Deputies also respond to federal habeas corpus petitions in the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Federal habeas litigation may involve discovery and evidentiary hearings. State and federal work routinely requires completion within narrow time frames.

Deputies can expect frequent oral arguments in the California Courts of Appeal, as well as occasional appearances in the California Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Los Angeles office also handles recusal motions and trial matters in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Responsibilities

• Handle felony criminal appeals and related writs in state and federal courts
• Respond to federal habeas corpus petitions, including discovery and evidentiary hearings
• Complete legal work within narrow time frames
• Conduct frequent oral arguments in the California Courts of Appeal
• Appear occasionally in the California Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Handle recusal motions and trial matters in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties

Pay

Classification: Deputy Attorney General IV

Salary range: $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. The following classifications and salary ranges may be considered:

• Deputy Attorney General: $7,969.00 - $12,026.00
• Deputy Attorney General III: $10,852.00 - $15,325.00

Starting salaries for each classification under the "Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) policy:

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

New to State candidates in the DAG series will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the classifications.

Benefits

• Work-life balance
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible paid leave options
• Consistent wage increases
• Pension retirement
• Job stability
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

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 vary by bargaining unit.

Schedule

Permanent, full-time position

Work week: Monday-Friday

Work location: Los Angeles County (Hybrid Telework)