Deputies in the Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section of the Criminal Law Division handle felony criminal appeals and related writs, including those in death penalty cases, before the state superior courts, the California Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. Deputies also respond to federal habeas corpus petitions in the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Federal habeas litigation may involve discovery and evidentiary hearings. State and federal work routinely requires completion within narrow time frames. Deputies can expect frequent oral arguments in the California Courts of Appeal, as well as occasional appearances in the California Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Los Angeles office also handles recusal motions and trial matters in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Working Conditions
This is a hybrid position under the current DOJ telework policy, which is subject to modification. Deputies must reside in California, preferably in the metropolitan Los Angeles area of Southern California. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, or a combination of both, but some in-office attendance is required. Travel and in-person attendance is required for most court appearances, trials and trial-related matters, and other operational needs. Deputies new to the Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section will be required to report to the office one or more times per week during their training period. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Will Consider
- Deputy Attorney General Range A (0-24 months): $8,846 and Range B (2-5 years): $9,956
- Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $12,046
- Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $13,313
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification:
- Membership in CA State Bar
Desirable Qualifications:
An interest in and talent for detailed legal research and writing; strong oral advocacy skills; an ability to work efficiently under substantial time pressure; knowledge of criminal laws and procedures; trial advocacy experience; a willingness to travel as required on cases.
Application Process
Please submit your application to the preferred location link below by 4/6/2026 by 11:59 PM.
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=511208
A complete application must include:
- State Application (completed online)
- Resume
- Statement of Qualifications – A personal statement, no longer than two pages in length, explaining your interest in the position and why you are qualified for the position.
- Writing Sample – consisting of a dispositive motion, pretrial motion or appellate brief preferably written in the last three years.

