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State of Delaware

Deputy Attorney General I-V - Defensive Litigation Unit

State of Delaware, Wilmington, DE, United States


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 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.

Summary Statement

The Delaware Department of Justice seeks a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) for the Civil Division in the Defensive Litigation Unit (DLU) in New Castle County. The Deputy Attorneys General in the Defensive Litigation Unit defend the State, its agencies, officials and employees in civil litigation in a wide variety of matters, including employment and civil rights actions. Primarily, the matters handled in this Unit are focused on civil rights/constitutional law, employment law, and actions brought by inmates pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1983. Cases are handled in both state and federal court.

Essential Functions

This DAG will represent the State, its agencies, officials, and employees in all civil litigation in wide variety of proceedings in federal and state court, including civil rights, employment, social services, law enforcement, corrections, and other litigated matters arising out of State operations and legislation. Cases frequently present questions of administrative law, federal and state constitutional law, and statutory interpretation. This DAG may also be required to render advice to State agencies, officials, and employees with regard to civil litigation and settlement of lawsuits. This DAG will work closely with and be supported by legal assistants (paralegals) and legal administrative specialists. This DAG will handle additional assignments as directed by the State Solicitor, Deputy State Solicitor, Unit Head, or Assistant Unit Head.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have experience in civil litigation, preferably including depositions, oral argument, and courtroom experience. This position seeks a bright, hardworking, and responsive attorney with good judgment and attention to detail. The selected candidate should also be comfortable handling a large caseload independently without extensive supervision.

Membership in Delaware Bar is required; this DAG must be admitted to the District of Delaware, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, or eligible for admission to those courts. Travel within the State may be necessary.

Additional Posting Information

  • This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
  • Travel within the State may be necessary.
  • This posting may close before 2/20/2025 upon filling the vacant position(s).
Conditions of Hire
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
  • May be eligible 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 weeks of paid parental leave


To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.