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Form of workIntroduction
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.
Summary Statement
The mission of the Criminal Division is to represent the State in all criminal prosecutions and, in so doing, safeguard the human rights of victims and their families and the constitutional rights of the accused. Prosecutors in the Criminal Division prepare, present, and prosecute cases ranging from traffic violations through murder before Delaware Superior Court. Additionally, prosecutors work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies by providing legal support and assistance with investigations.
Career Ladder
The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) career steps and salaries are based on experience, skills and the number of years barred.
Salary:
Pay Grade A12 DAG I Salary Range $74,200/min $81,620/max
Pay Grade A14 DAG II Salary Range $86,100/min $90,300/max
Pay Grade A16 DAG III Salary Range $95,095/min $99,360/max
Pay Grade A18 DAG IV Salary Range $104,535/min $109,710/max
Pay Grade A20 DAG V Salary Range $115,920/min $123,600/max
Essential Functions
The Criminal Division, Misdemeanor Trial Unit, in Kent County, seeks a Deputy Attorney General ("DAG") to represent the State of Delaware in handling a large caseload of misdemeanor calendars. This Unit is a fast-paced and high work-volume Unit, which requires the DAG to have a thorough knowledge of court rules and procedures. The Deputy Attorney General will be required to decide which cases should be prosecuted, which should be resolved with pleas, and which cases should be resolved with trials. The DAG will formulate specific plea offers on a case-by-case basis and will try cases which are not otherwise resolved. The DAG will be expected to handle a wide variety of criminal cases, to meet with members of the public, and to conduct negotiations with defense counsel.
This position is centrally located in historic Dover, Delaware, a short drive from Delaware's scenic beaches and a comfortable commute from New Castle County. The lawyer selected for this position will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, fulfilling, and dynamic team environment. Those who work in the Criminal Division have a strong dedication to justice and make an immediate impact in the lives of others, by both protecting and restoring crime victims and crafting the rehabilitation of offenders.
Prosecutors are in Court on a weekly basis and try cases regularly, gaining valuable courtroom skills. Successful applicants will receive support from our experienced Kent County leadership team. There are numerous in-house trainings as well as the opportunity to attend national, regional, and local conferences and seminars. The Deputy Attorney General filling this position should be prepared to gain:
• A keen understanding of evidentiary rules, court rules and decorum, and applicable statutes
• Excellent negotiation and trial advocacy skills
• The correct way to evaluate a case to ensure justice for victims, society, and defendants
• Time management skills to allow competent representation as well as work-life balance
The skills honed with the Criminal Division allow Deputy Attorneys General to become some of the best trial attorneys in Delaware.
Deputy Attorneys General also gain valuable experience working with law enforcement partners. They work hand-in-hand on investigations ranging from low level misdemeanors to homicides. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to see the inner workings of the criminal justice system firsthand, gaining valuable insight.
Job Requirements
The Deputy Attorney General will be required to decide which cases should be prosecuted, which should be resolved with pleas, and which cases should be resolved with trials. The DAG will formulate specific plea offers on a case-by-case basis and will try cases which are not otherwise resolved. The DAG will be expected to handle a wide variety of criminal cases, to meet with members of the public, and to conduct negotiations with defense counsel.
Strengths should include the ability to evaluate criminal cases, determine resolutions, and anticipate legal issues with the ability to research accurately and effectively. Must have a good working relationship with other DAGs, support staff and Court personnel. Must have the ability and determination to learn and apply the relevant laws and court rules, as well as to display and to develop good courtroom skills.
Additional Posting Information
Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
This posting may close before 2/6/2024 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
Stipend and overtime pay opportunities
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.
