The Environmental Justice and Protection Section of the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General is looking for an attorney to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge issues in the field of environmental law on behalf of the People of the State of California. We are seeking exceptional and motivated candidates for an opening in our section working primarily on environmental matters involving the federal government, including representing the Attorney General in litigation involving the federal government and its environmental regulatory and enforcement agencies, participating in rule making and other proceedings before these agencies, engaging with multi-state coalitions, and providing strategic legal advice to the Attorney General.
The Environmental Justice and Protection Section handles a broad range of significant environmental matters on behalf of the Attorney General and the State of California. Attorneys in the section practice an array of state and federal laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the Hazardous Waste Control Law, the California Endangered Species Act, Proposition 65, and the Unfair Competition Law, as well as federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Federal Power Act, the federal Endangered Species Act, and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Attorneys in the section use these laws to address existing and future pollution, mitigate the dangers posed by climate change, pursue equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens in communities, provide information on exposures to toxic chemicals, and reduce health impacts from environmental and other exposures.
The Environmental Justice and Protection Section utilizes the Attorney General’s broad statutory and common law enforcement authority to participate in local, state, and federal agency decision making, and to litigate complex environmental matters through all phases of state and federal courts, representing the Attorney General in his independent capacity. Duties include but are not limited to: conducting difficult environmental investigations on behalf of the Attorney General; close coordination with District Attorney Offices, including joint prosecutions of both civil and criminal environmental cases; and providing legal advice on an ongoing basis to the Attorney General and, as needed, to California state agencies.
Working Conditions:
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on DOJ’s current telework policy. While DOJ supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Classifications considered:
Deputy Attorney General (0-5 years of experience)
Deputy Attorney General III (5+ years of experience)
Deputy Attorney General IV (6+ years of experience)
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Membership in the California State Bar
Desirable Qualifications:
Candidates should have significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts. A proven and significant interest in Environmental law background is highly desirable. Candidates must be able to work under tight deadlines and pressure, work independently and in a team setting, and have a demonstrated ability and experience in developing litigation plans, and managing complex legal matters. Candidates must possess excellent research and writing skills, as well as skill in oral advocacy and negotiations. Candidates must be well organized and detail oriented, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and have an excellent work ethic. Candidates must be highly motivated to work in the area of environmental law on behalf of the Attorney General and the State.
Application Process
Please submit an application via CalCareers by 3/17/2025:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=464663
In your application package, please include:
- Standard State Application (completed online)
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample – dispositive motion, pretrial motion or appellate brief
