Deputy District Attorney I, II & III

Are you looking to start or advance your career as an attorney with an award-winning agency? The District Attorney's Office at the County of San Diego is currently recruiting for Deputy District Attorney I, II, and III. If you have experience in criminal law or civil litigation, we encourage you to apply.

About the role

Under the leadership of District Attorney Summer Stephan, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting felony crimes committed in the county and misdemeanor offenses that occur outside the City of San Diego. With over 345 prosecutors and 1,100 total employees, we serve the county’s 3.3 million residents. Our mission is to pursue equal and fair justice for all, build safe neighborhoods in partnership with the communities we serve, ethically prosecute those who commit crime, protect victims, and prevent future harm.

Opportunities

• Deputy District Attorney I is the first working-level class of the Deputy District Attorney series. Under general supervision, incumbents try criminal or civil cases in the Superior Court.

  Candidates who took the California Bar Exam in July 2026 are eligible to apply.

• Deputy District Attorney II is the second entry-level class of the series. Under general supervision, incumbents prepare and try criminal or civil cases in the Superior Court.
• Deputy District Attorney III is the journey-level class of the series. Incumbents share responsibility with higher-level attorneys in prosecuting complex criminal or civil cases, including murder, conspiracy, sexual assault, fraud, or civil enforcement actions. A Deputy District Attorney III may also supervise a team of junior deputies.

Requirements

• Deputy District Attorney I:
  • Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
  • Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Deputy District Attorney II:
  • Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
  • One (1) year of experience as a Deputy District Attorney I in the County of San Diego, or at an equivalent level with another California county or city prosecutorial agency; or
  • Two (2) years of experience as an attorney in the practice of criminal and/or civil law
• Deputy District Attorney III:
  • Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
  • One (1) year of experience as a Deputy District Attorney II in the County of San Diego, or at an equivalent level with another California county or city prosecutorial agency; or
  • Three (3) years of experience as an attorney in the practice of criminal and/or civil law

Benefits

The County of San Diego offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Benefits
• Employee Discount Program
• Transportation Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid time off (Vacation Days, Sick Leave, Holidays, Jury Duty, Military Leave)