Deputy District Attorney I

About the role

As a Deputy District Attorney I, you will be responsible for all phases of criminal prosecution as a member of the Misdemeanor Team. This position will review police reports to determine whether the District Attorney’s Office should file criminal charges, will prosecute criminal cases from initial arraignment through completion, including jury trials, and will be responsible for a high volume of cases. You must actively engage with other attorneys on the Misdemeanor Team and routinely make independent decisions while exercising sound discretion. Due to the high volume of work, you cannot consult with others before making every decision; however, you should consult with colleagues to ensure consistent, uniform, and just outcomes. For more serious cases involving vulnerable victims, you are expected to consult with a Chief Deputy District Attorney.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree
• Admitted to the California Bar or scheduled to take the California Bar exam or awaiting California Bar results (current, active membership required by date of hire)
• Completion of a law clerk program in a District Attorney's office is highly desirable
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position (not required for these positions)

Qualifications

• Experience with court appearances, arguing legal motions, conducting legal research and writing, and handling daily court calendars
• Interest in practicing criminal prosecution
• Training in trial advocacy or other aspects of California criminal law
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a public setting
• Effective negotiation skills when interacting with opposing attorneys
• Some experience using an electronic case management system
• Ability to empathetically communicate with victims of crimes and other members of the public
• Team player mindset to actively engage with all members of the office
• Ability to thrive in a high-demand, difficult decision-making environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the District Attorney; principles of civil or criminal law; principles of trial procedure; and rules of evidence
• Knowledge of legal research methods and judicial procedures
• Knowledge of written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, the courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the general public
• Ability to understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds

Benefits

• Hybrid telework schedule tailored to staff, department operations, and community needs
• Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (6 months full-time) for good performance; annual increases thereafter until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career advancement opportunities to Deputy District Attorney II ($153,236 – $186,254 annually) with time and good performance
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 additional floating holiday hours per year
• 100% county-paid health premium contributions for most employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Annual benefit allowances up to $1,250 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Annual professional development benefit of $452
• Post-retirement health reimbursement arrangement with county contributions
• Fully integrated pension with Social Security
• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of county employment
• Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, and professional development benefits
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education