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, Misdemeanor Trial Unit (MTU) in New Castle County, is seeking Deputy Attorneys General (DAGs) to join its team and represent the State of Delaware in handling a high-volume misdemeanor caseload. This position is based in New Castle County and offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment within the state’s busiest jurisdiction. The MTU operates in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented setting where attorneys have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by protecting victims, supporting communities, and promoting the fair administration of justice. Prosecutors appear in court regularly and try cases frequently, gaining valuable courtroom experience. Successful candidates will receive support from an experienced leadership team, along with access to in‑house training and opportunities to attend national, regional, and local conferences and seminars.
Key Development Areas
- A strong understanding of evidentiary rules, court procedures, and applicable statutes.
- Effective negotiation and trial advocacy skills.
- The ability to evaluate cases to ensure just outcomes for victims, the community, and defendants.
- Time management skills to balance a demanding caseload with professional development and work‑life balance.
Essential Functions
DAGs will determine which cases should be prosecuted, resolved through plea agreements, or taken to trial. They will formulate plea offers on a case‑by‑case basis and try cases that are not otherwise resolved. DAGs will handle a wide variety of criminal matters, interact with members of the public, and negotiate with defense counsel.
Job Requirements
Successful candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, the ability to evaluate criminal cases, determine appropriate resolutions, and anticipate legal issues. They should build and maintain effective working relationships with other DAGs, support staff, and court personnel. The position requires initiative, the ability to learn and apply relevant laws and court rules, and strong courtroom skills. Applicants must be a member of the Delaware Bar, or be expected to graduate from law school and be registered to sit for the next Delaware Bar Exam.
Compensation
Pay Grade 12 (DAG I): $86,664 – $95,329.
Pay Grade 14 (DAG II): $100,562 – $105,468.
Pay Grade 16 (DAG III): $111,069 – $113,509.
Pay Grade 18 (DAG IV): $122,094 – $128,010.
Pay Grade 20 (DAG V): $137,215 – $147,318.
Benefits
- 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.
Accommodations & Equal Opportunity
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek 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.