Job details
Pay
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$10,852 – $16,096 a month
Job type
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Full-time
Full job description
- Directly handle complex, sensitive, and often high-profile civil litigation matters, including prosecuting civil enforcement cases and defending client agencies in state and federal trial and appellate courts.
- Draft discovery, pleadings, and motions.
- First- and second-chair hearings and trials.
- Handle judicial review proceedings arising out of administrative litigation before the California appellate courts.
- Apply sound legal judgment and abide by professional ethics.
- Ability to work independently and remotely within the requirements of the department’s telework policy.
- Advise client agencies on legal matters, including investigation strategy, application and enforcement of cannabis laws and regulations, litigation strategy, settlement options, and expert and/or consultant needs.
- Work in a team and collaborative environment.
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Directly handle licensing matters involving the revocation, denial, and discipline of licenses, and the embargo and condemnation of misbranded goods.
For any inquiries about the position, the Deputy Attorney General Examination, or the application process, please contact Deputy Attorney General Cristina M. Matsushima (Cristina.Matsushima@doj.ca.gov) or recruiters@doj.ca.gov.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III
- DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
Department Information
- This position is located in the Division of Civil Law, Cannabis Control Section and may be filled in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego. Please state in your cover letter your city of preference.
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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.
- 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.og.ca.gov.
- If you would like to speak with a recruiter prior to 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.
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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.
- Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-496808) 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 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:
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
- If mailing your application, please contact the HR consultant listed to confirm your application has been received.
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: 12/1/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 describing your interest in and qualification for working in the Cannabis Control Section.
Other – Writing sample consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief preferably written within the past 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
- Dedication to consumer protection
- Strong trial and oral advocacy experience, including recent and frequent experience conducting proceedings in administrative, trial, and appellate courts
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, exhibited by recent and frequent drafting of pleadings, motions, and briefs
- Working familiarity with principles of administrative and constitutional law, rules of evidence, and civil litigation
- Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal problems, apply precedents to new factual scenarios, and present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form
- Experience drafting and arguing pre-trial motions, including demurrers, motions to dismiss, and motions for summary judgment
- Ability to prepare for and represent clients in civil or criminal trials
- Ability to interview witnesses and examine both percipient and expert witnesses at depositions, hearings, and trials
- Ability to clearly and respectfully advise and communicate with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and court personnel
- Experience successfully negotiating settlement of actions informally and in mediation or settlement conferences
- Openness to collaboration, including receiving feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and clients on case strategy and written work product
Benefits
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
