Health, Education & Welfare Deputy Attorney General IV

The Health, Education & Welfare Section (HEW) actively recruits highly qualified attorneys to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, where they frequently handle 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 at both the trial and appellate levels. If you are well qualified and desire to be part of a talented team that furthers California’s important public interests every day, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HEW deputies may largely choose whether to telework or come into the office. There are times when in-office attendance may be required for meetings or operational reasons; in addition, court appearances, hearings, oral arguments, mediations, and other proceedings require in-person attendance. Deputies are also expected to be able to report to the office if an urgent need arises, and, whether teleworking or in the office, are expected to be available for meetings and to promptly respond to emails and phone calls during regular business hours.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P7X675V

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

Salary

• $11,644 - $15,627/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:

Very strong research and writing skills. Excellent public speaking and communication skills. The highest level of independent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters. Litigation experience in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Enthusiasm for the legal subjects routinely handled by HEW. Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines. Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure. Ability to work independently and with all levels of staff. Ability to take direction from senior management. Ability to maintain good client relations. Ability to be a creative and resourceful problem solver. Interest in handling complex, high-profile cases of statewide importance. Computer literacy and research skills required.

Other Information

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Department Information

• 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. Please clearly indicate which city you prefer in your cover letter.

• 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 Range A (0-24 months): $8,588 and Range B (2-5 years): $9,666
  • Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $11,695
  • Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $12,925

  New to State candidates in the DAG series will be hired at the starting HAM salary of the classifications.

• DAG V consideration - lateral transfers only.

• If you would 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.

• Must be willing and able to work a full-time schedule which may exceed a 40 hour week when operational needs require.

• Deputies must be active members of the California State Bar.

• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-482478) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) 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 California Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at http://oag.ca.gov/careers/exams.
  

• 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: 8/1/2025

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-Heather Nguyen
Attn: Heather Nguyen (JC-482478)
1300 I Street Suite 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
OHR-Heather Nguyen
Heather Nguyen (JC-482478)
1300 I Street Suite 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 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.
• Other - Writing sample reflecting legal analysis, analytical abilities, and effective writing style, such as a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief.

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

All applicants must reside in California and be members in good standing of the California State Bar. This is a hybrid position with the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, with two-to-three in-person days required each month. Travel and in-person attendance may be required for trials, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, and operationally as needed.

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact:
Heather Nguyen
(916) 210-6444
Heather.Nguyen@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.

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.