Deputy Attorney General –V, Misdemeanor Trial Unit – Statewide

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.

The Criminal Division seeks to fill five Deputy Attorney General V (DAG) positions within its Misdemeanor Trial Units (MTUs) across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. Current vacancies by county:
New Castle (3), Kent (1), Sussex (1). Under the Act amending Delaware law governing pretrial release and preventive detention, which expands the State’s authority to seek preventive detention in certain cases, these DAGs will represent the Attorney General in hearings that must occur shortly after arrest and may involve appearances across multiple courts within their assigned county. DAGs will appear on behalf of the State in the Justice of the Peace Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Superior Court, handling detention‑related hearings, preparing legal arguments, reviewing case materials, and coordinating with law enforcement and other criminal justice partners.

These positions are essential to ensuring timely responses to detention hearings and compliance with statutory requirements. In addition, these DAGs will manage a misdemeanor caseload within their assigned county, including determining appropriate case resolutions, formulating plea offers, and trying cases that are not otherwise resolved. These positions require handling a wide variety of criminal matters, interacting with members of the public, and negotiating with defense counsel.

• 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)

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to evaluate criminal cases, determine appropriate resolutions, and anticipate legal issues. They should also be able to build and maintain effective working relationships with other DAGs, support staff, and court personnel. The position requires initiative and the ability to learn and apply relevant laws and court rules, as well as to develop and demonstrate strong courtroom skills.

Membership in the Delaware Bar is not required; however, applicants must be eligible for limited admission pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 55.

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 covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

• 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…