Environmental Justice and Protection Section

State of California; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California seeks experienced civil attorneys to work on cutting-edge environmental matters, including plastics pollution enforcement and other environmental laws. This Deputy Attorney General role involves handling complex cases from investigation through appeal in state and federal courts, coordinating across agencies, and advising on emerging threats.

The position requires strong litigation skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and a commitment to public service in the

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include Deputy Attorney General IV, III, or V in California.
• Significant civil litigation experience in federal or state courts.
• Excellent research and writing skills with strong oral advocacy and negotiations.

Responsibilities

• File, brief, and argue complex environmental cases in state and federal courts.
• Coordinate multi‑agency and multi‑state coalitions on landmark environmental actions.
• Enforce laws to reduce pollution in fenceline communities.
• Conduct investigations and advise the Attorney General on emerging environmental threats.
• Partner with District Attorneys on joint civil and criminal environmental prosecutions.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Research and writing

Time management

Team collaboration

Environmental law interest

Job description

California is a global leader in environmental protection, law, and regulation. The Environmental Justice and Protection Section seeks talented, experienced, and dedicated attorneys to work on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge matters in environmental law. On behalf of the People of California, section members represent California interests and enforce environmental laws on a broad range of critical issues, including climate change, drinking water, clean energy, endangered species, air quality, hazardous waste, and toxic chemicals.

The section is seeking experienced civil litigators who are familiar with practicing in California state court and federal court through all phases of a case, including trial. Experience investigating claims, propounding and responding to written discovery, taking and defending percipient and expert witness depositions, and responding to dispositive motions is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have taken cases to a jury verdict and be familiar with the California Code of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

The focus of this position will primarily be on plastics pollution enforcement, including representing the Attorney General in complex litigation in state court addressing the plastic pollution crisis in California. This position will also include work on a broad range of other topics that the Environmental Justice and Protection Section handles. As a Deputy Attorney General in the section, you would:

• File, brief, and argue complex environmental cases in state and federal courts at every stage from investigation through appeal;
• Coordinate multi‑agency and multi‑state coalitions on landmark environmental actions involving the federal government;
• Enforce laws to reduce pollution in fenceline communities;
• Conduct investigations and advise the Attorney General on emerging environmental threats; and
• Partner with District Attorneys on joint civil and criminal environmental prosecutions.

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 laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, 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 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.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL III
• DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL V

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

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 should 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 should possess excellent research and writing skills, as well as skill in oral advocacy and negotiations. Candidates should be well organized and detail oriented, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and have an excellent work ethic. Candidates should be highly motivated to work in the area of environmental law on behalf of the Attorney General and the State.