Deputy Attorney General III - may consider DAG (Attorney), DAG IV or DAG V

About the role

The Health, Education & Welfare Section (HEW) actively recruits highly qualified attorneys to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, handling high-profile and impactful legal matters while serving the public interest. Attorneys provide legal advice and representation to the Governor, Attorney General, and Directors of over 30 state agencies, including the Departments of Health Care Services, Public Health, State Hospitals, Social Services, and Education.

HEW’s litigation includes constitutional law and statutory interpretation; actions for declaratory and injunctive relief; writ petitions; and civil complaints challenging state laws, regulations, and agency decisions. Representation includes appearances in state and federal courts. This position offers the opportunity to litigate novel and consequential cases—including First Amendment and Due Process challenges to state education and health policies, and cutting-edge disputes under federal statutes such as Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

HEW attorneys are currently defending and prosecuting major federal actions involving the intersection of civil rights, education law, and federal spending power, including matters that have drawn national attention and gone to the highest levels of the federal courts.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to state officials and agencies.
• Handle litigation involving constitutional law, statutory interpretation, declaratory and injunctive relief, writ petitions, and civil complaints.
• Appear in state and federal courts for hearings, oral arguments, mediations, and other proceedings.
• Manage complex legal arguments across multiple matters.
• Be available for in-person attendance when required, such as for meetings, court appearances, or urgent operational needs.
• Maintain availability for meetings and promptly respond to emails and phone calls during regular business hours, whether teleworking or in the office.

Qualifications

Candidates with superior research and writing skills, and the ability to handle complex legal arguments, are strongly encouraged to apply. This section offers an unparalleled opportunity to do meaningful, precedent-setting work on behalf of the State of California and the millions of people it serves.

Work Location & Schedule

These positions are located in the Division of Civil Law, Health, Education & Welfare Section, and may be filled in either Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Applicants should indicate their preferred city in their cover letter.

Attorneys may largely choose whether to telework or come into the office, though in-person attendance may be required for meetings, court appearances, hearings, oral arguments, mediations, or urgent operational needs.

Pay

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

• Deputy Attorney General III: $10,852.00 - $15,325.00 per month
• Shall Consider:
  • Deputy Attorney General: $7,969.00 - $12,026.00 per month
  • Deputy Attorney General IV: $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 per month
  • Deputy Attorney General V: $12,659.00 - $16,883.00 per month (lateral transfers only)

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

• Deputy Attorney General (0-24 months): $8,846 (Range A)
• Deputy Attorney General (2-5 years): $9,956 (Range B)
• Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $12,046
• Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $13,313
• Deputy Attorney General V (Lateral): $14,051

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.