Criminal Prosecutions Attorney

Job Description and Duties

Within the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), the Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) investigates and prosecutes healthcare providers who defraud the Medi-Cal program and those who abuse or neglect elderly and dependent adults in care facilities.

The Deputy Attorneys General in DMFEA’s Criminal Prosecutions Section prosecute complex criminal cases in state courts involving (1) fraud committed against the Medi-Cal program by doctors, pharmacists, and other Medi-Cal providers, and (2) criminal abuse and neglect of vulnerable elders and dependent adults. Most of the cases we handle are fraud cases and we often prosecute multi-million-dollar frauds.

DMFEA is a vertical prosecution unit where prosecutors work closely with in-house Special Agents and investigative auditors. The prosecutor advises the Special Agents on their investigative plans, reviews search warrants and arrest warrants, regularly collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to strategize cases, makes filing decisions, and represents the People of the State of California in state courts from arraignment through sentencing.

Additional duties of the Deputy Attorney General include:

• Interacting closely with medical consultants to identify the relevant standards of care in medical and pharmaceutical professions and determine any breach of standards.

• Prosecution of crimes involving diversion of opioids and other controlled prescription drugs.

• Collaborating with computer forensic examiners and coroners.

• Working on asset forfeiture and freezing assets.

• Regular collaboration with the state agencies that are responsible for administering Medi-Cal and regulating residential care facilities.

• Closely working with DMFEA’s federal and local partners as well as with the Attorney General’s Offices and other law enforcement agencies in other states.

This position requires the ability to travel for court proceedings including, but not limited to, preliminary hearings and jury trials, sometimes overnight and on occasion for extended duration, and for trainings and meetings with colleagues, witnesses, and outside partners.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position under current DOJ telework policy, that is subject to modification. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely on most days, but at least one day per week (or more) of in-office attendance is required. Travel and additional in-person attendance is required for court appearances, meetings or other operational needs.

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• Deputies must be active members of the California State Bar.

• If you submit your application by mail, please contact the HR consultant to confirm it has been received.
• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code ( JC-537793) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title 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.  Process is described at: 

• Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:

  • DAG/Attorney exam – less than 5 years of experience:  DAG/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
    You do not have to take an exam before you apply for a job.  However, you must complete and pass the exam to be eligible for hire.

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:

• Strong jury trial experience.
• Experience handling felony cases.
• Experience litigating complex cases.
• Mastery of the rules of criminal procedure and evidence.
• Exemplary prosecutorial and professional ethics.
• Excellent oral advocacy, legal research, and legal writing skills.
• Positive attitude, appreciation of teamwork, and an excellent work ethic.
• Experience working with law enforcement personnel, auditors, and/or medical experts.
• Experience prosecuting fraud cases is preferred, but not required.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the  CalHR website and the  CalPERS website.

Additional Application Filing Information

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.

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 is required and must be included.
• Other - Writing sample consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion or appellate brief preferably written in the prior year.