Licensing Section (DAG IV; will consider DAG III, DAG, or DAG V)

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Travel for trials and hearings

Job summary

State of California's Licensing Section seeks a Deputy Attorney General to lead complex administrative litigation on behalf of state agencies, including hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings and on appeal. The role emphasizes trial advocacy, strategic analysis, and cross-team collaboration.

Residency in California and active California Bar membership are required; the position offers a hybrid work model with occasional in-person days and travel for trials and hearings as needed.

Qualifications

• Active California bar membership and residency in California.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience handling administrative hearings and civil matters.
• Familiarity with administrative adjudication processes and Gov. Code provisions.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of complex administrative litigation before OAH, and in superior and appellate courts.
• Represent state agencies at hearings and in civil judicial review proceedings.
• Collaborate with deputies, paralegals, supervisors, and clients on case strategy.
• Work with investigators to gather evidence and advise agencies on settlements.
• Provide training to agency staff and manage a dynamic caseload.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Civil procedure

Administrative law

Trial experience

Remote hearings tech

Education

J.D. degree

California Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

Job description

The Licensing Section protects California consumers by representing over three dozen state licensing agencies in actions filed against licensed professionals. Matters include appeals from denials of licensure applications, prosecution of disciplinary actions against licensees, interim suspension and relief cases, license reinstatement cases, probation modification and termination cases, and injunctive proceedings against professional and vocational licensees and unlicensed individuals. The Licensing Section provides attorneys with opportunities to develop trial and oral advocacy skills, manage an independent caseload, and work with supportive, dedicated, and collaborative colleagues.

Duties include:

• Handling all phases of complex, sensitive, and difficult administrative litigation matters generally before the Office of Administrative Hearings, most of which do not include significant discovery
• Preparing for and representing client agencies in several administrative hearings each month
• Handling civil judicial review proceedings in California superior courts that arise out of administrative litigation, including petitions for writ of administrative and ordinary mandate and interlocutory writs and appeals
• Appearing on behalf of client agencies at the administrative, superior court, and appellate levels
• Handling other complex civil matters, including subpoena enforcement and defense, and complaints filed against client agencies in state and federal courts
• Collaborating with other deputies, paralegals, supervisors, and clients to develop and implement case strategy
• Working with investigators to obtain and develop evidence
• Advising client agencies on legal matters, including settlement options, expert and/or consultant needs, and strategy
• Providing training to agency staff

All applicants must reside in California and be members in good standing of the California State Bar. This is a hybrid position with the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, with a minimum of 1 to 2 required in-person days each month. Travel and in-person attendance may be required for trials, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, and operationally as needed.

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
• 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:

• Dedication to consumer protection
• Authentic interest in government employment
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Working familiarity with principles of administrative and constitutional law, rules of evidence, and the administrative adjudication process set forth in the California Administrative Procedure Act (Gov.Code section 11340, et seq.)
• Trial and oral advocacy experience, including experience conducting proceedings in administrative, trial and appellate courts
• Ability to prepare and represent clients in administrative hearings and/or civil or criminal trials
• Ability to effectively use or, where appropriate, learn to use computer and software technology, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and other software employed by Licensing, particularly in the context of remote hearings
• Experience successfully negotiating settlement of actions informally and in mediation or settlement conferences
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively manage a diverse caseload both independently and in collaboration with supervisors, colleagues, and clients
• Ability to build and maintain good client relations and to interact positively and effectively with client representatives, subordinates, opposing parties and counsel, and all members of the Attorney General's Office

The Licensing Section values having a team diverse in viewpoints and life experiences because it enhances the quality of our legal work, and ultimately allows us to best represent our clients.