Closing Date: 17th July, 2024

Description:

Job Description and Duties:
At the California Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General, you will be a part of a diverse group of over 5,000 professionals whose primary mission is to deliver fairness and equality under the law, through a broad spectrum of programs and services. The Business Litigation Section represents state agencies and officials in civil matters concerning the business of government and government regulation of business. Our cases are often novel, requiring a deep dive into the constitution, various state statutory schemes, case law, legislative history, and regulatory proceedings. Cases may involve an action for declaratory and injunctive relief; a writ challenging a state law, regulation, or order; a challenge to an agency decision; a bankruptcy action to recover a debt owed to the state; bid protests; actions for breach of contract or related business torts; challenges to a rate or policy determination by the Insurance Commissioner; and suits for refund challenging a tax assessment. Some cases are small and others large and complex. Often, millions of dollars are at stake.

Duties include:

Defending constitutional and statutory challenges to state laws and regulations
Defending decisions of state taxing agencies and regulators of the finance, insurance, and real estate industries
Representing state agencies and officials in a variety of public contracting and other commercial disputes, including multistate disputes
Handling all phases and aspects of assigned cases in state and federal trial and appellate courts, including federal bankruptcy courts nationally
Maintaining prompt and tactful communication with client agencies
Making all necessary court appearances

We assign cases as appropriate based on experience and skill, provide training and opportunities for professional advancement, and foster a collegial workplace.

BLS deputies may largely choose to telework or come into the office, at their option. We are a litigation section, so there are some times when in-office attendance will be required for meetings, court appearances, or other operational reasons. Otherwise, deputies may freely telework if that is their preference, subject to their supervisor's discretion. Deputies are expected to be able to report to the office if an urgent need arises, and are expected to be available for meetings and to respond to emails and phone calls during regular business hours.

Internal as well as external candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. (https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/FileDownload.aspx?aid=23390265&name=BLSDAG-DAGIVDS.pdf)

Minimum Requirements:

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Deputy Attorney General III
Deputy Attorney General
Deputy Attorney General IV

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Department Information:

This position is located in the Division of Civil Law, Business Litigation Section and may be filled in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego or Oakland.
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.
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.
This is a 12-month limited term position, but may be extended to a maximum of 24 months and/or become a permanent position based on operational needs.
Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-430896) 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.
Must be able to travel, sometimes out of state.
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/how-to-apply
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

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:

Experience drafting pleadings and motions
Experience conducting offensive and defensive discovery, including depositions and expert discovery
Ability to present coherent, well-researched, and concise arguments before the court, both orally and in writing
Efficiency and reliability in managing workload and resolving cases
Experience or interest in appellate briefing and oral argument
Capacity to work independently and also in teams
Ability to work closely with supervisors, staff counsel at other agencies, and other lawyers in the section and around the office
Diplomacy and sensitivity when handling cases that involve elected officials and have a political dimension
Promptness in communicating with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel

Deputies are public officials who represent the State and the Attorney General. We expect deputies to give our clients the best representation and treat opposing counsel, clients, and staff with respect and professionalism. They must act in the public interest and comply with financial disclosure and conflict of interest laws and regulations, and well as the rules of professional conduct.