Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Police Practices Section (PPS) is seeking experienced and motivated attorneys to join our team dedicated to Constitutional policing within the California Department of Justice.

The Attorney General has broad constitutional and statutory oversight relating to local and state law enforcement agencies in California. On behalf of the Attorney General, PPS engages in a broad range of work, including investigations conducted under California Civil Code section 52.3 and Government Code section 11180 et seq.; independent and collaborative reviews of law enforcement agency policies and practices; monitoring and enforcement of stipulated judgments and other mandated reforms; developing policy and practice recommendations pursuant to Government Code section 12525.3; review and implementation of law enforcement policies including Hate Crimes Policy Oversight pursuant to Penal Code section 13023; and other actions related to the enforcement of state law with respect to California law enforcement agencies.

The attorney hired into the advertised position will work on a wide range of issues and subject matter areas relating to Constitutional policing, including issues implicating the Fourth Amendment such as use of force and search and seizure; de-escalation; operations, management, and supervision; community engagement; independent oversight of local and state law enforcement agencies; and review of policy. Well-qualified candidates will have demonstrated a subject matter expertise in these areas, as well as a commitment to civil rights and social justice, countering bias, and advancing the rights of Californians through investigation, litigation, or other forms of advocacy, as explained in their statement of qualifications. The attorney hired into the advertised position will also have significant engagement with other sections and divisions of the Department of Justice, including the Division of Law Enforcement, the Criminal Law Division, the Civil Division, and other sections of the Public Rights Division, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies and oversight bodies.

Assignments in PPS may include: affirmatively planning, organizing, managing, and conducting large-scale investigations and civil litigation, often on cutting edge, novel issues of law and fact; researching complex factual and legal issues on emerging constitutional rights issues relating to police practices; engaging with law enforcement agencies and oversight bodies, civil rights organizations, other advocates, city officials, and members of the public; providing advice on sensitive and high-profile matters to the Attorney General, other high level state officials and agencies, and other sections and divisions of the Department of Justice; reviewing and analyzing proposed state legislation with a lens toward constitutional policing; and developing model policies, training, and best practices for state and local law enforcement agencies. The most competitive candidates will have significant experience with systemic impact investigations and/or developing and litigating complex matters in federal and state courts.

Click on the following link to complete the California Department of Justice Recruitment Survey: 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.

• JC-486749must be clearly stated in the "Examination or Job Title(s) for which you are Applying" section located on page one of your state application.

• Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the California Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at 

• Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:
  • Attorney exam– less than 5 years of legal experience:  Attorney Examination
  • DAG III exam– at least 5 years of legal experience: 
  • DAG IV exam– at least 6 years of legal experience: 

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/12/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Justice

OHR-Nicole Farrah

Attn: Nicole Farrah (JC-486749)

1300 I Street, 7th Floor

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice

OHR-Nicole Farrah

Nicole Farrah (JC-486749)

1300 I Street, 7th Floor

Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A statement of qualifications as described below. 
• Other - Writing sample that includes legal analysis such as a research memorandum, appellate brief, or motion. Candidates that do not submit a writing sample will not be considered. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the  CalHR website and the  CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Nicole Farrah
(916) 210-7259
[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
[email protected]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Do not submit a cover letter. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s skills, relevant experience, and ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Considering the Job Description and Duties and the Desirable Qualifications for this position, address the following questions:

(1) What unique skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring that would make you a valuable addition to our team?

(2) Describe and explain your knowledge of any areas of constitutional policing, law enforcement oversight, or general civil rights practice. In your response, include any experience you have that demonstrates the extent, depth, and breadth of your knowledge.

(3) Describe your experience with investigations, litigation, and legislative advocacy and policy work, including (if applicable) your progressive responsibilities and experience working on teams.

Provide a written narrative for each question in separate, clearly labeled sections. Your response must be a typed, not to exceed two pages, document using one-inch margins and 12-point font numbered 1. 2. 3.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Local area,

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