Principal Deputy Solicitor General

Principal Deputy Solicitor General: The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office is accepting applications from attorneys interested in serving as the Principal Deputy Solicitor General.

The SG group’s appellate-heavy docket includes civil and criminal matters and spans all practice areas across the Office. The group also works on statewide and national cases involving federalism, matters of first impression, and other significant issues for the State.

SG group attorneys practice at all levels in state and federal courts, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. And as members of a small team, all SG group attorneys contribute at highly substantive levels and can expect significant appellate, administrative, and general litigation experience.

Reporting directly to the Solicitor General, the Principal Deputy Solicitor General performs a leadership function within the division.  Among other things, the Principal Deputy independently manages a docket of his or her own cases, assumes substantial editing responsibility over many cases within the division, and works closely with the Solicitor General on matters of special importance (including U.S. Supreme Court cases).  Further, the Principal Deputy will draft appellate briefs, dispositive motions, and administrative comments; write Attorney General Opinions; and research and analyze other issues of importance to the Attorney General and other constitutional officers.  The Principal Deputy also traditionally coordinates the division’s multistate litigation efforts.  Lastly, the Principal Deputy can also expect oral argument opportunities in West Virginia’s intermediate and supreme courts, as well as arguments before federal appellate courts.

At least five years of professional experience and excellent writing skills are required. A clerkship or prior experience in appellate or administrative litigation is particularly beneficial. Experience supervising, mentoring, and the professional development of junior attorneys is also a plus. Must be eligible for admission to the West Virginia bar or have an active state bar license.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@wvago.gov with “Principal Deputy Solicitor General” in the subject line.