DOJ attorneys represent the state and its residents to protect Californians from violent criminals, preserve the environment, maintain a fair marketplace, and, above all, preserve the rule of law.
Attorneys within DOJ argue the legal merits of cases in the highest courts in the state and nation. As a result, many of the cases handled by our attorneys result in important legal precedents that interpret the law for California and the nation.
Learn about the Legal Divisions and Offices within the California Department of Justice
Handles investigations, litigation, and other efforts to preserve California's environment and natural resources; protect consumers and maintain competition; and safeguard the rights, health, and well-being of Californians.
Provides legal services to many other statewide officers and for most state agencies.
Represents the people of California in criminal appeals and statewide prosecutions of certain crimes.
Protects our most vulnerable citizens and helps safeguard the state's Medi-Cal program
Serves as a clearinghouse for appeals handled by the DOJ and provides appellate advice to all DOJ divisions.
| Classification | Minimum Qualifications | Exam Link | Link to open positions (CalCareers)** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Legal Assistant (GLA) | Law school graduates, not yet certified by The State Bar of California | GLA Exam | GLA Openings |
| DAG Range A | 0 months – less than 24 months of legal experience | Attorney Exam | DAG Openings |
| DAG Range B | 24 months of legal experience | Attorney Exam | DAG Openings |
| DAG III | 5 years of legal experience | DAG III Exam | DAG III Openings |
| DAG IV | 6 years of legal experience (1 year must be equivalent to DAG III or higher) | DAG IV Exam (Exam administered by CA DOJ) |
DAG IV Openings |
| DAG V | 8 years of legal experience (2 years must be equivalent to DAG IV or higher) | Promotional Exam only (Exam administered by CA DOJ) |
DAG V Openings (Lateral transfers only) |
| Supervising DAG (DAG Supervisor) | 8 years of legal experience (2 years must be equivalent to DAG III or higher) | DAG Supervisor Exam (Exam administered by CA DOJ) |
DAG Supervisor Openings |
Some job controls (i.e., bulletins that advertise vacancies) will be for more than one classification, such as DAG III or DAG IV. Please view the position details of a job control to view the classifications that may be considered.
The DAG application process generally takes 3-6 months, depending on the position and background check process
If you are searching for DAG positions, check the “shall consider” area of other DAG job controls, under “Position Details.” Many of our advertised positions are open to multiple classifications, but we can only display one classification as the “title” on the CalCareers website.
Yes, our Legal Divisions offer internships to current Law Students. You can learn more on our Internships & Student Positions page.
The Attorney General's Honors Program is a highly competitive program for recent law school graduates and newly admitted lawyers who are committed to a career in public service. Each year, one applicant is selected to serve in a limited term assignment as an Geoffrey Wright Fellow in the California Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
The Attorney General's Honors Program is for newer attorneys who can apply when they are third-year law students and students in their final year of other graduate law programs (e.g., LL.M. programs) at an accredited law school, newly admitted lawyers in their first year of practice, judicial clerks, and individuals participating in government, academic or public interest fellowships who will complete their clerkships or fellowships in September of the following year.
You can learn more at our Attorney General’s Honors Program page and at our Geoffrey Wright Solicitor General Fellowship page.
Please email us at legalrecruiters@doj.ca.gov
You do not need to be a California resident to apply. However, you will need to be a California resident to work as an employee of the California Department of Justice. You will also be expected to live within comfortable commuting distance of your assigned office.