Correctional Law Section Deputy Attorney General III (May consider DAG/Attorney or DAG IV)

About the Role

The Correctional Law Section is one of the largest in the Civil Division of the California Attorney General’s Office, with approximately 125 deputies in several locations statewide. This section offers opportunities to work on individual civil rights cases, high-profile matters, appeals, and class-actions. Deputies defend state employees in federal and state litigation brought by inmates and provide representation to high-ranking government officials, correctional administrators, and employees.

This is a hybrid position with the opportunity to work remotely or in the office on most days, but some regular in-office attendance is required. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be necessary for court appearances, meetings, and other operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Engage in all aspects of civil litigation, from inception through trial, settlement, or appeal.
• Investigate facts and analyze documentary evidence.
• Appear in all levels of state and federal courts.
• Exercise independence and initiative in cases involving cutting-edge issues of Constitutional Law and Civil Rights.
• Carry a caseload while working collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues to achieve excellent results for the State of California.
• Travel as necessary for depositions, witness interviews, client meetings, and site inspections inside correctional institutions statewide.

Qualifications

This position may consider candidates at the following levels:

• Deputy Attorney General (DAG) / Attorney: $7,969.00 - $12,026.00 per month
• Deputy Attorney General III (DAG III): $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 per month (new to state candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable)
• Deputy Attorney General IV (DAG IV): $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per month

The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a “Hire Above Minimum” (HAM) salary. Starting salaries for each classification are:

• Deputy Attorney General (0-24 months): $8,846 (Range A) and $9,956 (Range B for 2-5 years)
• 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, 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 specific rate and hours earned vary by bargaining unit.

Schedule

• Permanent, full-time position
• Work week: Monday–Friday

Location

This position is 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 note their preferred city in their cover letter.

Applications are reviewed every other Friday based on submission date.