California Department of Justice

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III

SACRAMENTO, CAPosted 18 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from California Department of Justice

  • Job overview

    The Deputy Attorney General III role at the California Department of Justice involves handling complex civil employment litigation to defend state agencies and uphold employment laws.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The job requires independently managing civil employment cases, conducting trials, hearings, depositions, drafting legal documents, advising state agencies, and collaborating with clients and colleagues to protect state interests.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary ranges from $10,536 to $14,879 monthly with higher pay for advanced classifications; benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and hybrid telework options.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must be active members of the California State Bar with at least 5 years of legal experience; experience in employment law and litigation is essential.

  • Career development

    Opportunities include advancement to Deputy Attorney General IV and V levels, with exams required for promotion and potential lateral transfers.

  • Work environment and culture

    The department values equal opportunity, professionalism, and a drug-free workplace, offering a hybrid work environment in multiple California locations.

  • Company information

    The California Department of Justice is a state agency providing legal services and representation to state entities, focusing on civil law and employment law sections.

  • Team overview

    The position is within the Employment Law Section of the Division of Civil Law, working with a practice group handling employment-related legal matters across several offices.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is based in Sacramento County with options in Oakland, Los Angeles, or San Diego, offering a hybrid work schedule Monday through Friday.

  • Application process

    Applicants must submit a detailed application package including a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and meet eligibility requirements by the final filing date of 6/26/2025, via CalCareers or mail.

  • Unique job features

    This role offers extensive trial experience, involvement in high-impact state agency defense, and opportunities to handle a broad range of employment law issues including federal and state statutes.

Company overview

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is a state agency responsible for enforcing California's laws, ensuring public safety, and protecting the rights of citizens. It operates under the leadership of the Attorney General and provides legal services to state agencies, conducts criminal investigations, and oversees various programs related to consumer protection, environmental law, and civil rights. The DOJ generates revenue through state funding and legal settlements. Historically, it has played a crucial role in landmark cases and policy reforms, making it a pivotal entity in California's legal and justice system.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your litigation experience, particularly in complex civil employment cases involving statutes like the Fair Employment and Housing Act, ADA, and Family and Medical Leave Act, to align with the Deputy Attorney General III role at the California Department of Justice.

  • Emphasize skills in trial preparation, conducting depositions, drafting and arguing motions, and appellate brief writing, as these are key duties in the Employment Law Section.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the official California Department of Justice careers page at CalCareers.ca.gov and professional networks like LinkedIn to maximize your exposure.

  • Connect with current Deputy Attorneys or legal professionals within the Employment Law Section on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as referencing recent California employment law cases or asking about the DOJ’s approach to defending state agencies to start conversations.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'civil employment litigation,' 'trial experience,' 'Fair Employment and Housing Act,' 'motions,' and 'appellate briefs' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, identify all relevant application portals, and find LinkedIn contacts to network with, saving you time and increasing your chances of landing the job.

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