Appeals, Writs, and Trials Attorney

The Appeals, Writs, and Trials section of the Criminal Division is seeking candidates to fill multiple vacancies in our Sacramento and Fresno offices. AWT is looking both for appellate attorneys and trial prosecutors to represent the People of the State of California.

Appellate Deputy Attorneys General (DAG) within the office appear on behalf of the People in felony criminal appeals and related writs before the state courts of appeal and the California Supreme Court, including those in death penalty cases. They also occasionally handle habeas corpus litigation in the United States District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Appellate DAGs can expect to appear for oral arguments primarily in the California Courts of Appeal, as well as occasionally in the California Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. State and federal work routinely requires completion within narrow time frames, so time management is a must. Because brief writing is a central part of the section’s work, candidates should have strong legal research and writing skills.

Trial DAGs within AWT are experienced criminal trial lawyers who must work independently on a variety of criminal matters. They investigate and prosecute felony and misdemeanor cases when the local prosecutorial agency is recused. The Sacramento and Fresno offices handle recusal cases for thirty-two counties in the Northern and Eastern parts of the state (the counties within the jurisdiction of California’s Third and Fifth Appellate Districts). Appearances are often by video, but trials may require travel and overnight stays. Trial deputies also review charging decisions by counties and consult with local prosecuting agencies on cases and issues. Deputies work with a variety of local law enforcement agencies advising and overseeing investigations. Felony trial experience is required, as is the ability to handle all aspects of trial work with minimal supervision. Deputies should also demonstrate good writing skills for preparing internal reports or filing detailed written pleadings on complex issues. Trial deputies must also be capable of legal research and writing, as all DAGs in AWT are assigned appellate cases.

The Sacramento and Fresno offices offer all deputies the choice of primarily working remotely, subject to operational needs.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Salary

• $11,993 - $16,096/month

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

An interest in and talent for detailed legal research and writing; strong oral advocacy skills; an ability to work efficiently under substantial time pressure; knowledge of criminal laws and procedures; trial advocacy experience; a willingness to travel as required on cases.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

• These positions are located in the Division of Criminal Law, Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section in Sacramento or Fresno.

• DAG V consideration, lateral transfers only.

• The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a “Hire Above Minimum“ (HAM) salary. The starting salary for each classification will be:

  Deputy Attorney General Range A (0-24 months): $8,846 and Range B (2-5 years): $9,956

  Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $12,046

  Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $13,313

  Deputy Attorney General V (lateral only): $14,051

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

• Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.

• If you'd like to speak with a recruiter prior to submitting your application, please email Recruiters@doj.ca.gov.

• For more information about the department please visit the Attorney General’s website at www.oag.ca.gov.

• Please visit our new webpage: Become a DOJ Deputy Attorney General | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• Deputies must be active members of the California State Bar.

• If you submit your application by mail, please contact the HR consultants to confirm it has been received.
• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-486346) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title for Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your STD 678 State Application.

• Individuals who are new to State service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at: https://oag.ca.gov/careers/how-to-apply
  
  

• Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:
  • Attorney exam – less than 5 years of experience: Attorney Examination
  • DAG III exam– at least 5 years of legal experience: DAG III Examination
  • DAG IV exam– at least 6 years of legal experience: DAG IV Examination

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/21/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How to Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Justice
Courtney Contreras
Attn: Courtney Contreras (JC-486346)
1300 I Street 720
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice
Courtney Contreras
Courtney Contreras (JC-486346)
1300 I Street 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter is required.
• Other - Writing sample preferably written in the prior year.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position under the current DOJ telework policy, which is subject to modification. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, or a combination of both, but some in-office attendance is required. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be required for court appearances, meetings, or other operational needs.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Courtney Contreras
(916) 210-7235
Courtney.Contreras@doj.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
EERROffice@doj.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Filing Information

Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date. If mailing your application, please reach out to the HR contact listed to ensure your application has been received.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device. Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.