Appeals, Writs, and Trials Attorney

The California Department of Justice is hiring an attorney to join the Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section of the Criminal Law Division in our Sacramento or Fresno offices.

If you enjoy legal research, legal writing, and digging into the nuances of California criminal law, apply to join the Appeals, Writs, and Trials section of the Criminal Law Division.

Deputies in this section represent the People of the State of California in felony criminal appeals and related writs before the state courts of appeal and the California Supreme Court, including those in death penalty cases. They also occasionally prosecute trial matters before the superior courts and respond to habeas corpus litigation in the United States District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Deputies can expect to appear for oral arguments primarily in the California Courts of Appeal, as well as occasionally in the California Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. State and federal work routinely requires completion within narrow time frames, so time management is a must. Because brief writing is a central part of the section’s work, candidates should have strong legal research and writing skills.

While DOJ supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs.

Salary Ranges (Monthly):

New to State candidates will be hired at the starting salary of the classification.

• Deputy Attorney General Range A (0-24 months): $8,588 and Range B (2-5 years): $9,666
• Deputy Attorney General III (5 years): $11,695
• Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years): $12,925

Benefits of working for the State of California

• Work-life balance
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible paid leave options
• Consistent wage increases
• Pension retirement
• Job Stability
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• And more!