Deputy Attorney General I - V Civil, Affirmative Litigation Unit, Kent County

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. 

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, Civil Division, Affirmative Litigation Unit, Kent County is looking for a highly motivated and committed Deputy Attorney General to serve in a unique hybrid role where they will serve as general counsel to the Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (“DATE”), and criminally prosecute cases related to violations of Delaware’s marijuana laws. DATE is responsible for the civil and criminal enforcement of the marijuana laws of Title 4 and Title 16.   DATE is also responsible for the enforcement of the alcohol laws of Title 4, and youth access to tobacco laws in §§ 1115 through 1127 of Title 11. 

This posting may close on or before the stated closing date upon filling the vacant position.

FY 26

Pay Grade 12 DAG I            Annual salary $79,508.00/min $87,458.00/max

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 

This Deputy Attorney General works within the Department of Justice’s Affirmative Litigation Unit and will provide legal advice to DATE for both criminal and civil matters. This includes independently handling criminal prosecutions arising from violations of Delaware’s marijuana laws throughout the state, assisting in prosecutions of civil violations of the Liquor Control Act and the Delaware Marijuana Act and will also assist DATE by reviewing and drafting legislation, policies, procedures, MOUs and contracts related to the regulation and enforcement of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana in the State of Delaware.

The DAG may also have other duties related to the Affirmative Litigation Unit and may be required to handle additional assignments as directed by the State Solicitor, Deputy State Solicitor, Unit Head or Assistant Unit Head. 

The most qualified candidates have some prior criminal and general counsel experience. The DAG should be able to take a proactive approach in assisting DATE, by demonstrating the ability to identify potential issues and addressing such issues to enable DATE to operate effectively.  The DAG should be able to work independently, meet deadlines, communicate clearly with DOJ leadership and DATE, and should have demonstrated legal ability and a thorough knowledge of relevant laws and court rules. Membership in the Delaware Bar is required. 

· 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, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

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 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.