Job Posting: Government Law Section Deputy Attorney General III

Department of Justice

JC-505963
-
Government Law Section Deputy Attorney General III
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III

$10,852.00 - $15,325.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 2/19/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Government Law Section seeks highly qualified attorneys to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, where they regularly handle high-profile, consequential, and cutting-edge legal matters, including federal and state constitutional challenges, while serving the public interest. Attorneys represent and advise state officers and agencies (such as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Controller, Treasurer, Secretary of State, and the Department of Finance) in the defense of state statutes or in affirmative litigation, including against the federal government, in furtherance of state policies and goals. Examples of recent matters that attorneys have handled include litigation challenging the President’s deployment of the National Guard in California and in Oregon, defending Proposition 50’s Congressional redistricting, defending an array of gun control measures, challenging the President’s tariffs, and defending various Internet child safety laws. Our legal matters concern a wide range of issues, including constitutional law and statutory interpretation, administrative procedure, government operations, firearms and other public-safety laws, federal funding, elections, internet privacy, federalism, labor and union issues, housing reform, criminal justice reform, criminal information, state mandates, and other matters. Representation includes regular appearances and argument in state and federal courts throughout the State at all stages of litigation, at both the trial and appellate levels, and in other jurisdictions as required by case needs. Attorneys also prepare titles and summaries for ballot measures and analyze proposed state legislation. 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.

GLS 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.


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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-505963
Position #(s):
420-125-5706-XXX
Working Title:
Government Law Section Deputy Attorney General III
Classification:
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III
$10,852.00 - $15,325.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
$11,993.00 - $16,096.00
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V
$12,659.00 - $16,883.00
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
$7,969.00 - $12,026.00
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

  • These positions are located in the Division of Civil Law, Government Law Section, and may be filled in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego. Please clearly state in your cover letter which city you prefer.

  • 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): $8,846 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): $14,051

    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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

    Special Requirements

    • A fingerprint check may be required
    • Clearly indicate the Job Control (JC-505963) 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.
    • May be required to travel to remote locations within the State, sometimes with little notice.
    • If you are sending a paper application, please email the HR contact listed below in order to confirm receipt of your materials.
    • Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:

    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: 2/19/2026

    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-505963)
    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-505963)
    1300 I Street Suite 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
    • Other - Writing sample, preferably consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief 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.

    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 the Government Law Section, including governmental powers and processes, constitutional issues, and election law. 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.

    Benefits

    Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website (under Unit 2 - Attorneys and Hearing Officers) and the CalPERS website.

    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.

    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 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.

    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    Drop-off
    Print Job