Attorney I, II, III, IV

Typical Tasks

• Prepares and prosecutes criminal cases in superior court;
• Reviews evidence and advises law enforcement officers and victims on law and criminal proceedings;
• Conducts research, studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases, opinions, petitions, motions, legal briefs, and other legal documentation;
• Composes motions required for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings;
• Evaluates investigation results and works closely with investigators and paralegals to prepare cases for trial and other hearings;
• Consults with defense counsel and judges to discuss pleas;
• Conducts post-conviction proceedings and sentencing for offenses;
• Communicates with victims and advocates to ensure compliance with Marsy’s Law;
• Meets with victims and witnesses to prepare cases;
• Prepares pleadings and legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal procedures;
• Appears for and represents the District Attorney’s Office at court hearings and arraignments.

Employment Standards

• Active membership in the California State Bar is required upon appointment.

Training And Experience

• Note Knowledge and abilities consistent with the highest standard of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise required for the intended appointment.
• Experience as an attorney in a District Attorney's Office in another public agency may be considered equivalent for appointment or promotion in the corresponding District Attorney's Office in the County of Santa Clara.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.
• If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help.

Knowledge Of Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office

• Legal research methods, practices, and techniques;
• Criminal trial and hearing practices and rules of evidence;
• Penal code and criminal statutes;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications;
• General office practices and procedures, such as record keeping practices.

Ability To Perform legal research

• Analyze and apply legal principles and facts to legal issues;
• Exercise good judgment and make sound decisions on legal cases and in dealing with people;
• Monitor current and proposed legislation related to assigned responsibility;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, included colleagues, the public, court staff and attendees, and representatives of other agencies;
• Use computer systems and applications.