DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III

Job Description and Duties

The Health, Education & Welfare Section (HEW) actively recruits highly qualified attorneys to practice in a dynamic and collegial environment, where they frequently handle high-profile and impactful legal matters while serving the public interest. Attorneys provide legal advice and representation to the Governor, Attorney General, and Directors of over 30 state agencies, including the Departments of Health Care Services, Public Health, State Hospitals, Social Services, and Education. HEW’s litigation includes constitutional law and statutory interpretation; actions for declaratory and injunctive relief; writ petitions; and civil complaints challenging state laws, regulations, and agency decisions. Representation includes appearances in state and federal courts.

This position offers the opportunity to litigate novel and consequential cases—including First Amendment and Due Process challenges to state education and health policies, and cutting-edge disputes under federal statutes such as Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. HEW attorneys are currently defending and prosecuting major federal actions involving the intersection of civil rights, education law, and federal spending power, including matters that have drawn national attention and gone to the highest levels of the federal courts.

If you have superior research and writing skills, and can handle complex legal arguments across multiple matters, this section offers an unparalleled opportunity to do meaningful, precedent-setting work on behalf of the State of California and the millions of people it serves.

HEW deputies may largely choose whether to telework or come into the office. There are times when in-office attendance may be required, such as for in-person 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 .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.

• Must be willing and able to work a full-time schedule which may exceed a 40 hour week when operational needs require.

• Deputies must be active members of the California State Bar.

• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code ( JC-525985)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 California Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at: 

• You do not have to take an exam before you apply for a job. However, you must complete and pass the exam to be eligiblefor hire.

• 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: 

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: 9/2/2026

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 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-525985)

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-525985)

1300 I Street Suite 720

Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 04:30 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 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 reflecting legal analysis, analytical abilities, and effective writing style, such as a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief.

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.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website 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
View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov
View email address on calcareers.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
View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov
View email address on calcareers.ca.gov

California Relay Service: View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov (TTY), View phone number on calcareers.ca.gov (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Filing Information Section:

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.