Correctional Law Section Deputy Attorney General III, Appeals Team (May consider DAG IV)

About the role

The Correctional Law Section is hiring Deputy Attorneys General to join the Appeals Team, handling impactful appeals involving constitutional law and civil rights in a supportive, collaborative environment. The section is one of the largest in the Civil Division of the California Attorney General’s Office, with approximately 125 deputies statewide. Deputies manage all aspects of civil litigation, including individual civil-rights cases, class actions, and high-profile, complex matters, representing government officials, correctional administrators, and employees.

Responsibilities

• Handle appeals in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and California courts of appeals, from briefing to oral argument, including appeals arising from class actions.
• Collaborate with team members to edit appellate briefs and prepare deputies for oral argument.
• Engage with colleagues and clients on appellate strategy.
• Advise deputies on trial matters to preserve or avoid issues for appeal.
• Confer with attorneys in other sections, including the Solicitor General’s Office, on crossover matters.

Requirements

• Excellent writing, oral advocacy, analytical, and editing skills.

Pay

Deputy Attorney General III: $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of $12,046 (5 years of experience).

May consider Deputy Attorney General IV: $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of $13,313 (6+ years of experience).

Schedule

• Full-time, permanent position.
• Monday-Friday work week.
• Flexible hybrid telework policy.
• Travel and in-person attendance may be required for court appearances and operational reasons.

Work Location

Positions are located in the Division of Civil Law, Correctional Law Section, and may be filled in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Applicants should indicate their preferred city in their cover letter.

Benefits

• Work-life balance.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Flexible paid leave options.
• Consistent wage increases.
• Pension retirement.
• Job stability.
• Health, dental, and 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 impact varies by bargaining unit.