The Appeals, Writs, and Trials section of the Criminal Division is seeking candidates to fill multiple vacancies in our Sacramento and Fresno offices. AWT is looking both for appellate attorneys and trial prosecutors to represent the People of the State of California.

Appellate Deputy Attorneys General (DAG) within the office appear on behalf of the People 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 handle habeas corpus litigation in the United States District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Appellate DAGs 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.

Trial DAGs within AWT are experienced criminal trial lawyers who must work independently on a variety of criminal matters. They investigate and prosecute felony and misdemeanor cases when the local prosecutorial agency is recused. The Sacramento and Fresno offices handle recusal cases for thirty-two counties in the Northern and Eastern parts of the state (the counties within the jurisdiction of California’s Third and Fifth Appellate Districts). Appearances are often by video, but trials may require travel and overnight stays. Trial deputies also review charging decisions by counties and consult with local prosecuting agencies on cases and issues. Deputies work with a variety of local law enforcement agencies advising and overseeing investigations. Felony trial experience is required, as is the ability to handle all aspects of trial work with minimal supervision. Deputies should also demonstrate good writing skills for preparing internal reports or filing detailed written pleadings on complex issues. Trial deputies must also be capable of legal research and writing, as all DAGs in AWT are assigned appellate cases.

AWT will also consider Graduate Legal Assistants (GLA) for these positions. GLAs in AWT conduct legal and other research and assist in preparing a variety of legal documents, including briefs and memoranda. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, GLAs may have the opportunity to assist in special investigations and gain courtroom experience. Because appellate brief writing is a central part of the section’s work, candidates should have a demonstrated interest in legal research and writing.

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