California is a global leader in environmental protection, law, and regulation. The Environmental Justice and Protection Section seeks talented, experienced, and dedicated attorneys to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge matters in environmental law. On behalf of the People of California, section members represent California interests and enforce environmental laws on a broad range of critical issues, including climate change, drinking water, clean energy, endangered species, air quality, hazardous waste, and toxic chemicals.
The section is seeking experienced civil litigators who are familiar with practicing in California state court and federal court through all phases of a case, including trial. Experience investigating claims, propounding and responding to written discovery, taking and defending percipient and expert witness depositions, and responding to dispositive motions is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have taken cases to a jury verdict and be familiar with the California Code of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The focus of this position will primarily be on plastics pollution enforcement, including representing the Attorney General in complex litigation in state court addressing the plastic pollution crisis in California. This position will also include work on a broad range of other topics that the Environmental Justice and Protection Section handles. As a Deputy Attorney General in the section, you would:
- File, brief, and argue complex environmental cases in state and federal courts at every stage from investigation through appeal;
- Coordinate multi-agency and multi-state coalitions on landmark environmental actions involving the federal government;
- Enforce laws to reduce pollution in fenceline communities;
- Conduct investigations and advise the Attorney General on emerging environmental threats; and
- Partner with District Attorneys on joint civil and criminal environmental prosecutions.
The Environmental Justice and Protection Section handles a broad range of significant environmental matters on behalf of the Attorney General and the State of California. Attorneys in the section practice an array of state laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Endangered Species Act, Proposition 65, and the Unfair Competition Law, as well as federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Federal Power Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Attorneys in the section use these laws to address existing and future pollution, mitigate the dangers posed by climate change, pursue equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens in communities, provide information on exposures to toxic chemicals, and reduce health impacts from environmental and other exposures.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on DOJ's current telework policy. While DOJ supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
In addition to participating in some of the most consequential environmental litigation in the nation, you would receive the satisfaction and benefits that come with a public service career in California state government. When you join the California Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a community of talented, driven, and supportive professionals and accessing one of the nation's most comprehensive public service compensation packages featuring exceptional health benefits and the security of a CalPERS pension.
If you have significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts and a proven background or interest in environmental law, then we hope you will submit your application.
