Deputy Attorney General I-V Defensive Litigation Unit Civil Division - New Castle County

State of Delaware; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Deputy Attorneys General to join their Civil Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful civil litigation, defending the State and its agencies in various legal matters, including civil rights and employment law. Enjoy a balanced work environment with a 37.5-hour work week, generous paid time off, and a supportive team culture. This position not only provides a chance to make a difference in the community but also offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, making it an attractive opportunity for passionate legal professionals. If you are ready to take on a challenging role with real impact, apply now!

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Affordable Benefits Plans

Free Trainings and CLE

12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Pension Eligibility

Collaborative Work Environment

Qualifications

• Experience in civil litigation, depositions, and courtroom settings is essential.
• Must be a member of the Delaware Bar and eligible for federal court admission.

Responsibilities

• Defend the State in civil litigation matters in state and federal courts.
• Advise agencies and officials on civil litigation and lawsuit settlements.

Skills

Civil Litigation Experience

Courtroom Experience

Oral Argument Skills

Attention to Detail

Good Judgment

Education

Membership in Delaware Bar

Law Degree

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, provide legal services to the entirety of state government, and fight fraud. In the Civil Division, approximately 80 attorneys provide legal support to the executive branch agencies in the form of general counsel advice, administrative hearing prosecutions, board representation, and all stages of civil litigation. Attorneys in the Civil Division enjoy a 37.5-hour work week with true work/life balance including: a hybrid work environment, no billable hours, generous paid time off, affordable benefits plans, free trainings and CLE, 12 weeks paid parental leave, exclusive public service student loan forgiveness programs, pension eligibility, and a supportive collaborative work environment.

Summary Statement

The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking to fill two vacancies for Deputy Attorneys General (DAGs) in the Civil Division’s Defensive Litigation Unit (DLU) in New Castle County. In these roles, the DAGs will defend the State, its agencies, officials, and employees in a broad range of civil litigation matters—including employment and civil rights actions. The Unit primarily focuses on issues related to civil rights/constitutional law, employment law, and litigation brought by inmates under 42 U.S.C. §1983, with cases handled in both state and federal courts.

Career Ladder

The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) career steps and salaries are based on experience, skills, and the number of years barred. Salary: Pay Grade A12 DAG I - Annual salary $83,252
Pay Grade A14 DAG II - Salary Range $87,822/min - $92,106/max
Pay Grade A16 DAG III - Salary Range $96,997/min - $99,129/max
Pay Grade A18 DAG IV - Salary Range $106,626/min - $108,737/max
Pay Grade A20 DAG V - Salary Range $118,238/min - $122,920/max
* The salary of $83,252 for the Deputy Attorney General I position applies to candidates who are admitted to the Delaware Bar.

Essential Functions

These DAGs will represent the State, its agencies, officials, and employees in a wide range of civil litigation proceedings in both federal and state courts—including cases involving civil rights, employment, social services, law enforcement, corrections, and other matters arising from State operations and legislation. Cases frequently involve issues of administrative law, federal and state constitutional law, and statutory interpretation. Additionally, the DAGs may be required to advise State agencies, officials, and employees on civil litigation matters and lawsuit settlements. They will work closely with and be supported by legal assistants (paralegals) and legal administrative specialists, and they will handle additional assignments as directed by the State Solicitor, Deputy State Solicitor, Unit Head, or Assistant Unit Head.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have experience in civil litigation, preferably including depositions, oral argument, and courtroom experience. This position seeks a bright, hardworking, and responsive attorney with good judgment and attention to detail. The selected candidate should also be comfortable handling a large caseload independently without extensive supervision. Membership in Delaware Bar is required; this DAG must be admitted to the District of Delaware, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, or eligible for admission to those courts. Travel within the State may be necessary.

Additional Posting Information

This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System. Travel within the State may be necessary. This posting may close before 6/19/2025 upon filling the vacant position(s).

Conditions of Hire

A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

Department of Justice Benefits Include: May be eligible for 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, and 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.