Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Government Law Section 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, often in the defense of state statutes, to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Controller, Treasurer, Secretary of State, Department of Finance, and various other state agencies and departments. Attorneys also lead affirmative litigation, including against the federal government. The legal matters concern a wide range of issues, including but not limited to: constitutional law and statutory interpretation, administrative procedure, government operations, firearms and other public-safety laws, federal funding, elections, internet privacy, federalism, labor and union issues, housing reform, criminal justice reform, criminal information, state mandates, and other matters. Representation includes appearances in state and federal courts throughout the State at both the trial and appellate levels. Attorneys in the Government Law Section also prepare titles and summaries for ballot measures and analyze proposed state legislation. If you are well qualified and desire to be part of a talented team that furthers California’s important public interests every day, we strongly encourage you to apply.

GLS deputies may largely choose whether to telework or come into the office. There are times when in-office attendance may be required for 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.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: 

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 may be required

• Clearly indicate the Job Control ( JC-490166) 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 state application.

• May be required to travel to remote locations within the State, sometimes with little notice.

• If you are sending a paper application, please email the HR contact listed below in order to confirm receipt of your materials.

• 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 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: 9/16/2025

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-490166)

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-490166)

1300 I Street Suite 720

Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 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, preferably consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion, or appellate brief written in the prior 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.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website (under Unit 2 - Attorneys and Hearing Officers) 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
(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

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Remote work,

Similar Jobs