Public Records Act, Deputy Attorney General IV

The Attorney General is the State’s top lawyer and law-enforcement official, protecting and serving the people and interests of California through a broad range of duties. The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice, which is one of the largest state agencies, as well as one of the largest law offices in California. The Department has numerous constituent bureaus and programs, and the Department performs a variety of important law enforcement and criminal justice information functions.

The Office of General Counsel is a division within the Department of Justice that oversees or supports many Department-wide functions, including risk management, compliance, legal advice, and the development of policies and procedures.

The Public Records Act Unit within the Office of General Counsel has primary responsibility for providing legal advice and representation to the Attorney General, other state constitutional officers, every division within the Department of Justice, and various other state agencies and departments concerning the California Public Records Act (PRA). Attorneys often analyze unique and complicated issues that may impact access to public records in light of evolving technology and relevant constitutional and statutory privacy considerations.

Under the administrative and legal direction of the General Counsel, Senior Assistant Attorney General, and a Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, attorneys advise on, coordinate, and handle responses to Public Records Act requests. Attorneys collaborate with all levels of staff regarding the Department’s search for responsive records and also draft or review responses to PRA requests. Attorneys provide consultation to the Department’s programs and bureaus, develop resources, and provide training to ensure consistent practices concerning the handling of PRA requests. Attorneys communicate with executive-level management and the Department’s external communications office regarding time-sensitive and high-profile PRA matters. Attorneys in the unit may also defend the Department of Justice, the Attorney General, and state agencies in lawsuits brought to enforce the Public Records Act. Attorneys have opportunities to appear in courts throughout California at both the trial and appellate levels in PRA litigation matters.

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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 III

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:

Knowledge about the Public Records Act. Knowledge about legal issues related to information technology. Excellent research, analytical, writing, and oral-communication skills. Judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters. Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines. Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Ability to maintain good client relations. Ability to self-educate when confronted by complex and multi-dimensional problems. Demonstrated aptitude for, or strong interest in handling litigation when it arises, potentially on an abbreviated schedule and in complex, high profile matters. Strong computer literacy and research skills are encouraged. Attorneys should possess exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively under strict time constraints.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

• This position is located in the Office of General Counsel, Public Records Act Unit and will be filled in either Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego or San Francisco. Please clearly indicate which city you prefer in your cover letter.
  
  
• If you have less than 5 years experience, please apply to JC-490440.

• 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.
  
  

• The Deputy Attorney General classifications qualify for a “Hire Above Minimum" (HAM) salary (Hiring Above Minimum Policy).

  The starting salary for each classification will be:

  • 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.

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

• If you are interested in speaking with a Recruiter before submitting your application, please email Recruiters@doj.ca.gov.

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

• Personal Leave Program: 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.The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.

• JC-490439 must be clearly stated in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are Appying" section located on page one of your state application.

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

• Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:
  • 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: 9/25/2025

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
OHR-Danielle Newman
Attn: Danielle Newman (JC-490439)
1300 I Street, 7th floor
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
OHR-Danielle Newman
Danielle Newman (JC-490439)
1300 I Street, 7th floor
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 and must be included.
• Other - Writing sample reflecting your legal work, preferably not more than 20 pages and written within the last two years, is required and must be included.

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 position is eligible for telework. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be required for court appearances, meetings, and other occasional operational needs.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Danielle Newman
(916) 210-6197
danielle.newman@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 Unites 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 you are mailing your application, as a courtesy we ask that you contact the HR Consultant listed to confirm your application has been received. This is not required, but highly encouraged so we can ensure the timely submission of your application.

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.