Job Details

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Pittsburgh/Harrisburg/Norristown/Philadelphia, PA
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 50702550
Division: Criminal Law Division
Section: Appeals and Grand Jury Section
Opening Date: 12/22/2025
Closing Date: 1/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Position Information
Section: Appeals and Grand Jury Section/Criminal Law Division
Class: Deputy Attorney General I/II/III/IV
Location: Pittsburgh, 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 I: Pay Range 8 - Starting salary of $67,228

DAG II: Pay Range 9 - Starting salary of $76,910

DAG III: Pay Range 10 - Starting salary of $87,903

DAG IV: Pay Range 11 - Starting salary of $100,499
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. 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.
The primary job requirement is excellent written and oral advocacy skill. 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 appellate arguments and for hearings in state post-conviction and federal habeas actions.
Examples Of Duties

• Represents the Commonwealth and defends judgments of conviction and sentence on direct appeal and appeals from Post Conviction Relief Act petitions
• Represents the Commonwealth as the appellant in criminal matters
• 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, responding to motions, and appearing in evidentiary hearings in federal court
• Performs additional and related work as required

Minimum Experience and Training
Individuals who have graduated law school, and are sitting for the February 2026 Bar Exam in the state of Pennsylvania, will be considered for this position as a Law Clerk with continued employment being contingent on the receipt of passing results in April 2026.
Deputy Attorney General I:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

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

Applicants must have significant experience in appellate advocacy or its equivalent, preferably in a criminal prosecution setting.
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.

To learn more about the benefits available to OAG employees, please review the
01

What is your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School or GED
• Some College
• Technical College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate

02

What year did you obtain your JD?
03

Have you been admitted to the PA Bar?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience in professional legal work do you have?

• None
• Less than 3 Years
• 3-6 Years
• 6-10 Years
• 10+ Years

05

Do you have significant experience in appellate advocacy?

• Yes
• No

Required Question