Deputy Attorney General II/III/IV

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

$80K — $104K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admission to the Pennsylvania Bar
  • 3-10 years of professional legal experience, based on level
  • Proven excellent written and oral advocacy skills
  • Experience with evidentiary hearings or trials preferred
  • Strong prosecutorial judgment skills

Responsibilities

  • Represent the Commonwealth in direct criminal appeals
  • Handle petitions under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act
  • Draft legal documents and respond to motions in federal habeas corpus cases
  • Manage an independent caseload involving appellate matters
  • Provide legal advice to other attorneys on law enforcement issues

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits starting on the first day of employment
  • Paid time off including 12 holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • Flexible Spending Accounts available to all employees
  • Participation in the State Employees' Retirement System with various options
Full Job Description
Salary: See Position Description
Location : Norristown/Philadelphia/Harrisburg, PA
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Division: Criminal Law Division
Section: Appeals and Grand Jury Section
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Position Information
Section: Appeals and Grand Jury Section/Criminal Law Division
Class: Deputy Attorney General II/III/IV
Location: Harrisburg, Norristown, or Philadelphia
Telework: This position will report to the headquartered location a minimum of 2 days per week. You may have the opportunity to telework the remainder of the week, if desired and based on business need.
Position Type: Full-time, Non-civil service, Non-union
Work Hours: 8:30 - 5:00
Salary Range: DAG II: Pay Range 9 - Starting salary of $80,000

DAG III: Pay Range 10 - Starting salary of $91,423

DAG IV: Pay Range 11 - Starting salary of $104,529
Please note that one position is being filled, and the level and salary offered will be determined by the years and type of experience of the candidate.
Basic Function
This is an appellate position in the Office of Attorney General's Criminal Law Division, which includes handling of state criminal appeals, as well as proceedings under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act and federal habeas corpus matters. A primary job requirement is excellent written and oral advocacy skill. Experience with evidentiary hearings or trials is preferred.
The Appeals and Grand Jury Section represents the Commonwealth in direct appeals from criminal convictions, in proceedings under the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act, and in federal habeas corpus litigation. The section also provides legal advice and support to other attorneys, both in the Office and throughout the Commonwealth, on matters relating to law enforcement. The section's work arises from prosecutions within the Office's jurisdiction, as well as referrals from local District Attorneys due to a lack of resources or a conflict of interest.
Attorneys must also be able to exercise sound prosecutorial judgment and to manage an independent caseload. Although attorneys will be headquartered at a specific location, some travel will be necessary for hearings in state post-conviction and federal habeas actions, as well as appellate arguments.
Examples Of Duties
  • Responds to petitions under the Post Conviction Relief Act and other post-conviction motions, and represents the Commonwealth in evidentiary hearings in such matters
  • Represents the Commonwealth in federal habeas corpus litigation, drafting answers and responding to motions, and appearing in evidentiary hearings in federal court
  • Represents the Commonwealth and defends judgments of conviction and sentence on direct appeal, and represents the Commonwealth as the appellant in criminal matters
  • Performs additional and related work as required

Minimum Experience and Training
Deputy Attorney General II:
  • Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work

Deputy Attorney General III:
  • Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work

Deputy Attorney General IV:
  • Graduation from an accredited law school, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work

Health Benefits

This position qualifies you for the Commonwealth's benefits package which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Medical coverage is available on your first day of employment! Prescription is also available on your first day, for an additional cost for the first 90 days of employment. Dental and vision are available after 90 days of employment as well.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are available to all employees, regardless of enrollment in our benefits.

Paid Time Off

OAG employees receive 12 paid holidays each calendar year, along with earning paid vacation time and sick leave each pay period.

Retirement

For new employees, the State Employees' Retirement System offers various options for enrollment into our retirement plans. You will receive specific information on these options shortly after you begin employment.

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