Introduction

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 Criminal Division seeks a Deputy Attorney General to join the New Castle County Unit. 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 Felony Trial Unit prepare, present, and prosecute cases ranging from thefts through murder before Delaware Superior Court. Additionally, prosecutors work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies by providing legal support and assistance with investigations.

Successful applicants will receive on-the-job training and support from our experienced New Castle County leadership team. Those who work in the New Castle County Unit 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. Members of the New Castle County Unit are in Court on a weekly basis and try cases regularly, gaining valuable courtroom skills. This Deputy Attorney General will have a keen understanding of admissible evidence, command of applicable statutes, and experience presenting high-profile and complex cases to a jury. Those chosen for this position become some of Delaware’s best trial attorneys.

Skills

Prosecutors are in Court on a weekly basis and try cases regularly, gaining valuable courtroom skills. 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.

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

Duties include deciding which cases should be prosecuted, which should be resolved with pleas, and which should be resolved with trials. Successful candidates will formulate specific plea offers on a case-by-case basis and try cases which are not otherwise resolved. The chosen applicant will be expected to handle a wide variety of criminal cases, meet with members of the public, and conduct plea negotiations with defense counsel.

Job Requirements

Strengths include the ability to evaluate cases, determine resolutions, and anticipate legal issues. Knowledge of up-to-date investigative methods and the ability to research accurately and effectively is critical. This Deputy Attorney General will communicate the legal issues in concise and thorough written and oral communications. The selected candidate must have or be able to develop a good working relationship with other Deputy Attorneys General, investigators, support staff, court personnel, and other external agencies and must have the ability and determination to learn and apply the relevant laws and applicable Court rules.

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.