Deputy Attorney General - Employment Law Section

Do you love litigation and want more trial experience? Are you committed to serving the people of the State of California? Are you interested in defending the operations of over 100 critical state agencies? As part of our Employment Law Section practice group of the California Department of Justice, you will handle challenges involving the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and the whistleblower protection act, among others. ELS is looking for attorneys with 0-5 years of experience to develop and hone their litigation and trial skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of complex civil employment cases, including drafting and arguing motions, interviewing witnesses, conducting depositions and other discovery, preparing and arguing summary judgment motions, conducting expert discovery, and preparing for trial.
• First- and second-chair jury and bench trials.
• Handle contested administrative evidentiary hearings before the State Personnel Board.
• Defend agency administrative actions against petitions for writ of mandamus.
• Draft appellate briefs and argue before the Courts of Appeal and Ninth Circuit.
• Obtain work safety and gun violence restraining orders.
• Communicate with clients, including providing detailed case analyses and recommendations.
• Provide training, guidance, and advice to state agencies on a variety of employment and personnel matters.
• Communicate with judges, court staff, juries, and witnesses.
• Work cooperatively, professionally, and effectively with colleagues, opposing counsel, and clients.

Requirements

• All applicants must reside in California and be active members in good standing of the California State Bar.

Pay

Deputy Attorney General salary range: $7,969.00 - $12,026.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Starting salary for Deputy Attorney General classifications:

• Range A (0-24 months): $8,846 per month
• Range B (2-5 years): $9,956 per month

New to State candidates will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the DAG classification.

Schedule

Permanent, full-time positions.

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)

These positions are located in the Division of Civil Law, Employment Law Section, and may be filled in Sacramento, Oakland, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Please clearly state in your cover letter which city you prefer.

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.