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, student loan forgiveness, pension eligibility, and a supportive collaborative work environment.
Summary Statement
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Division, Public Safety Unit (PSU), seeks a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) to serve as general counsel to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF), including its four divisions – Division of Management Support Services, Division of Family Services, Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, and Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services.
Career Ladder
The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) career steps and salaries are based on experience, skills and the number of years barred.
Pay Grade A14 DAG II Salary Range $87,822/min $92,106/max
Pay Grade A16 DAG III Salary Range $96,997/min $99,129/max
Pay Grade A18 DAG IV Salary Range $106,626/min $108,737/max
Pay Grade A20 DAG V Salary Range $118,238/min $122,920/max
Essential Functions
The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) will advise Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF) on a variety of legal issues including procurement, contract drafting and negotiation, contract compliance monitoring, labor and employment law, education law, legislative drafting, and policy review. This DAG’s duties will include defensive and affirmative litigation on behalf of the agency as well as regulatory and administrative hearing practice.
The DAG will have other duties related to the Public Safety Unit, as well as handling additional assignments as directed by the State Solicitor, Deputy State Solicitor, Unit Head, or Assistant Unit Head.
Job Requirements
Membership in Delaware Bar is required. The most qualified candidates have some prior general counsel or litigation experience, and some familiarity with DSCYF and family law; however, such expertise and experiences are not required for selection. The DAG should be able to take a proactive approach to assisting its agency clients, therefore a successful candidate should have the ability to work with State agencies to identify potential issues and assist State agencies to address such issues to minimize or avoid future legal action. The DAG should be able to work independently, meet deadlines, communicate clearly with client agencies, and should have demonstrated legal ability and a thorough knowledge of relevant laws and court rules.
The DAG must have a willingness to travel within the state to meet departmental needs and meeting schedules.
Additional Posting Information
- This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
- This posting may close before 2/20/2025 upon filling the vacant position.
- This position is based in New Castle County and will require statewide travel to accommodate departmental needs and meeting schedules.
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
Department of Justice Benefits Include:
- 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.