Deputy District Attorney I

Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is seeking experienced and passionate attorneys to join their team. Starting salary up to $81.54/hourly ($170,183 annually) and a competitive total compensation package.

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
• Prosecute criminal cases from initial arraignment through completion, including jury trials
• Handle a high volume of cases and actively engage with other attorneys on the Misdemeanor Team
• Routinely make independent decisions while exercising sound discretion
• Consult with colleagues to ensure uniform and just outcomes, and with a Chief Deputy District Attorney for more serious cases involving vulnerable victims

Ideal candidate

In addition to holding a Juris Doctorate degree and being admitted to the California Bar, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience demonstrating an interest in practicing criminal prosecution
• Experience with court appearances, arguing legal motions, conducting legal research and writing, and handling daily court calendars
• A commitment to handling challenging work for the betterment of the community and ensuring equal justice and access to the criminal justice system for all citizens of Sonoma County
• 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
• Experience using an electronic case management system
• The ability to empathetically communicate with victims of crimes and other members of the public
• A team player mindset to actively engage with all members of the office
• The ability to thrive in a high-demand, difficult decision-making environment

A current, active membership in the State Bar of California is required by date of hire.

About the District Attorney's Office

Under the leadership of District Attorney Carla Rodriguez, the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is the largest legal office in the county with a staff of 138 employees, including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and clerical support. Our mission is to pursue justice for the people of Sonoma County through innovative prosecution, strategic legislative advocacy, and strong community partnerships.

With a population in excess of 475,000, the office handles a wide variety of serious and complex criminal cases, as well as civil consumer protection and environmental crimes. Our core values are:

• Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards and do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
• Courage: We have the determination to fearlessly pursue justice, advocating relentlessly for victims and holding offenders accountable regardless of challenges or opposition.
• Results Focused: We pursue creative, evidence-based solutions that address harm, enhance public safety, and deliver meaningful justice for victims and our community.
• Professionalism: We conduct ourselves with competency, respect, and accountability while maintaining the highest standards of legal practice and public service.
• Victim Centered: We treat every victim with dignity, respect, and compassion while ensuring their voice is heard and their healing is supported throughout the justice process.

Benefits

• Hybrid Telework: A schedule that meets the needs of staff, department operations, and the communities served may be available.
• Salary Advancement: A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Career Advancement: Opportunity for advancement to Deputy District Attorney II ($153,236 - $186,254 annually) with time and good performance.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year.
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions: 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options.
• Staff Development/Wellness: Annual benefit allowances of up to $1,250 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• Annual Professional Development Benefit: $452.
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement: County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits.
• Retirement: A pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Paid Parental Leave: May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
• Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program.
• Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Requirements

• Experience: Completion of a law clerk program in a District Attorney's office is highly desirable.
• Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Knowledge of:
  • The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the District Attorney
  • The principles of civil or criminal law, principles of trial procedure, and rules of evidence
  • Legal research methods and judicial procedures
  • 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
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, departmental representatives, county officials, the courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the general public
  • Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds

Pay

Starting salary up to $81.54/hourly ($170,183 annually). Salary is negotiable within the established range.