Appeals, Writs, & Trials Graduate Legal Assistant

The Appeals, Writs, and Trial section (AWT) of the Criminal Division is seeking candidates to fill multiple vacancies in the Sacramento and Fresno offices. AWT is the core unit that carries out the Attorney General’s mandated responsibilities in the criminal courts. The section’s critical duties include representing the People’s interests in all non-death penalty appeals; handling all death penalty appeals and writs; state and federal habeas corpus proceedings attacking criminal judgments; handling all criminal trials and investigations where local prosecutors cannot proceed due to conflicts or recusal; advising the Governor on extradition and clemency matters; providing advice on criminal law matters to local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, and state legislators; and representing the state and its officers in state and federal courts in which writs of habeas corpus, mandate, and prohibition are sought by prisoners or defendants in criminal cases.

Graduate Legal Assistants (GLA) in AWT conduct legal and other research and assist in preparing a variety of legal documents, including briefs and memoranda. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, GLAs may have the opportunity to assist in special investigations and gain courtroom experience. Because appellate brief writing is a central part of the section’s work, candidates should have a demonstrated interest in legal research and writing.

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

Salary

• $5,227 - $6,550/month

Qualifications

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

• GRADUATE LEGAL ASSISTANT

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; 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.

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

• Appointments to the Graduate Legal Assistant class will be Limited Term and may become permanent based on Deputy Attorney General eligibility.

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

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

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.

• Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the California Office of the Attorney General. For more information on the process, and to access the Graduate Legal Assistant examination, please visit https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1729

• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-486386) 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 State Application.

• Unofficial law school transcripts will be accepted during the application process; however, submission of official transcripts is required prior to appointment.

• Appointment to the Graduate Legal Assistant (GLA) class is limited term. Permanent appointment to the Deputy Attorney General (DAG) class may be based on successful admission to the California State Bar and DAG list eligibility.

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-486386)
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-486386)
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 current DOJ telework policy, that is subject to modification. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely or in-office most days, but some in-office attendance could be required. Travel and additional in-person attendance may be required for court appearances, meetings or other occasional 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.

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.