Deputy Attorney General I-V Criminal Appeals

State of Delaware; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 87,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Loan forgiveness

Healthcare plan

Pension plan

Vacation over 4 weeks

Paid sick leave

Parental leave

Job summary

State of Delaware seeks a Deputy Attorney General for the Appeals Unit to handle appellate litigation in state and federal courts. The role will be located in New Castle, Kent, or Sussex Counties and requires courtroom leadership before the Delaware Supreme Court.

Responsibilities include supporting trial teams, advising on legal strategy, and performing high‑level research on appellate issues, amici curiae matters, and postconviction work. Strong writing and research are essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent research and writing skills required.
• Must be a member of the Delaware Bar.

Responsibilities

• Handle appellate and postconviction litigation in state courts.
• Provide guidance and research assistance to Criminal Division trial attorneys on complex legal issues.

Skills

research

writing

Job description

Introduction

Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State.

In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions. Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion.

Summary Statement

The Criminal Division seeks a Deputy Attorney General to join the Appeals Unit. This position will be located in New Castle County, Kent County or Sussex County.

The Appeals Unit of the Criminal Division is responsible for the appellate litigation of criminal cases pending in both state and federal courts. Deputy Attorneys General of the Appeals Unit serve as the chief courtroom lawyers for the State before the Delaware Supreme Court. The Appeals Unit also handles select complex postconviction matters before the Delaware Superior Court. The Appeals Unit Deputy Attorneys General provide legal research and guidance regarding such core issues as: the taking of State appeals, participation by the State as amicus curie ("friend of the court") in litigation wherein state interests may be affected, legislative matters, and potential ramifications of court decisions. The appeals Unit is relied upon to render immediate and regular research assistance and aid to trial attorneys in the Criminal Division.

Career Ladder

Pay Grade 12 DAG I Annual salary $86,664/min - $95,329/max

Pay Grade 14 DAG II Salary Range $100,562/min $105,468/max

Pay Grade 16 DAG III Salary Range $111,069/min $113,509/max

Pay Grade 18 DAG IV Salary Range $122,094/min $128,010/max

Pay Grade 20 DAG V Salary Range $137,215/min $147,318/max

*The salary of $95,329 is for the Deputy Attorney General I position and applies to candidates who hold active bar admission

Essential Functions

This Deputy Attorneys General in the Appeals Unit are responsible for appellate and other postconviction litigation of criminal cases in state courts. With the current rise in federal habeas litigation, Deputy Attorneys General in the Appeals Unit, are increasingly involved federal courts. These Deputy Attorneys General serve as the chief courtroom lawyers for the State before the Delaware Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and provide integral guidance and research assistance to Criminal Division trial attorneys on complex legal issues in criminal matters.

Job Requirements

Excellent research and writing skills are required. Must be a member of the Delaware Bar.

Additional Posting Information

• This posting may close on or before the stated closing date upon filling the vacant position.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.

Conditions of Hire

• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background checks.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual term s.

Benefits

Department of Justice Benefits Include:

• May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal).
• State of Delaware healthcare plan.
• State of Delaware pension plan.
• Over 4 weeks of vacation per year.
• 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call [phone]. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.