Deputy Attorney General -V Defensive Litigation Unit

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.

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.

• Pay Grade 12 DAG I – Annual salary $87,458
• Pay Grade 14 DAG II – Salary Range $92,259 (min) – $96,760 (max)
• Pay Grade 16 DAG III – Salary Range $101,898 (min) – $104,137 (max)
• Pay Grade 18 DAG IV – Salary Range $112,013 (min) – $117,440 (max)
• Pay Grade 20 DAG V – Salary Range $125,885 (min) – $135,154 (max)

* The salary of $87,458 for the Deputy Attorney General I position applies to candidates who hold active bar admission.

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.

• Experience in civil litigation, preferably including depositions, oral argument, and courtroom experience.
• Bright, hardworking, responsive attorney with good judgment and attention to detail.
• Comfortable handling a large caseload independently without extensive supervision.
• Membership in Delaware Bar is required; must be admitted to the District of Delaware, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, or be eligible for admission to those courts.
• Travel within the State may be necessary.

• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
• Travel within the State may be necessary.
• This posting may close before 12/18/2025 upon filling the vacant position(s).

• 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 a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

• Loan forgiveness (State and Federal) – May be eligible.
• State of Delaware healthcare plan.
• State of Delaware pension plan.
• Over 4 weeks of vacation per…