Deputy Attorney General I-V – Criminal Division Opportunities

JobAps; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Loan forgiveness (State and Federal)

Healthcare plan

State pension plan

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Delaware Department of Justice's Criminal Division in New Castle County seeks Deputy Attorneys General to prosecute serious and complex cases, including homicide and domestic violence, and to provide legal guidance to law enforcement. Attorneys appear in court regularly and gain hands-on experience early in their careers.

Successful candidates will manage cases, participate in trials and plea negotiations, and maintain regular communication with victims and witnesses.

Qualifications

• Membership in the Delaware Bar or Rule 55 Eligible is required.
• Ability to evaluate criminal cases, exercise sound judgment in charging and case resolution, and anticipate litigation issues.
• Experience interacting with detectives, medical personnel, child welfare professionals, and other professionals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and charge criminal cases; prepare and prosecute in court; conduct trials, hearings, and plea negotiations.
• Provide legal guidance to law enforcement during investigations and maintain communication with victims and witnesses.
• Handle a wide variety of criminal matters and engage in plea negotiations with defense counsel.

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. Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.

Summary Statement

The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking exceptional, highly motivated individuals to join the Criminal Division as Deputy Attorneys General in New Castle County. If you are an attorney driven by purpose and ready to handle serious, impactful cases, the Criminal Division offers a career unlike any other. Make an impact where it matters most—on the front lines of justice. In this role, Deputy Attorneys General prosecute serious and complex cases, including homicide, domestic violence, special victims, and other violent crimes, while protecting the communities of New Castle County. In New Castle County, the Criminal Division is comprised of several specialized units, including the Misdemeanor Unit, Felony Trial Unit, Felony Screening Unit, Special Victims Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Homicide Unit, and the Violent Criminal Enterprise (VCE) Unit. Deputy Attorneys General are responsible for reviewing and charging criminal cases; preparing and prosecuting cases in court; conducting trials, hearings, and plea negotiations; providing legal guidance to law enforcement during investigations; and maintaining regular communication with victims and witnesses to ensure just outcomes. This is a fast-paced, courtroom-focused environment. Attorneys appear in court regularly, try cases, and gain significant hands-on experience early in their careers. They develop strong trial advocacy skills, a deep understanding of evidentiary and court rules, and the ability to effectively evaluate and manage cases. Successful candidates receive strong support from experienced leadership, participate in extensive in-house training, and have access to national, regional, and local professional development opportunities. This recruitment reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong team of prosecutors. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may be considered for current and future vacancies across all units within the Criminal Division in the New Castle County Office.

Career Ladder

Pay Grade 12 DAG I  Salary Range $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 for the Deputy Attorney General I position applies to candidates who are admitted to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction.

Essential Functions

Duties include evaluating cases and determining appropriate resolutions, including whether to pursue prosecution, negotiate plea agreements, or proceed to trial. Successful candidates will formulate case-specific plea offers and litigate cases that are not otherwise resolved. Selected candidates will be expected to handle a wide variety of criminal matters, interact with members of the public, and engage in plea negotiations with defense counsel.

Job Requirements

Strong candidates will demonstrate the ability to manage complex investigations and, where applicable, an interest in learning and understanding specialized evidence, including medical evidence. They must be able to evaluate criminal cases, exercise sound judgment in charging and case resolution, and anticipate litigation issues while effectively researching legal and, when relevant, technical or medical matters. This role requires the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with detectives, medical personnel, child welfare professionals, fellow Deputy Attorneys General, support staff, and court personnel. The selected candidate must be capable of independently trying serious cases and applying relevant laws and court rules. Membership in the Delaware Bar or Rule 55 Eligible are required.

Additional Posting Information

This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System. As part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to building a strong team of prosecutors, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may be considered for current and future vacancies across all units within the Criminal Division in the New Castle County Office. This recruitment will remain open to maintain an active and current pool of qualified candidates.

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 terms.

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.