Deputy District Attorney II

Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is seeking experienced and passionate attorneys to join their team. Starting salary up to $89.24/hourly ($186,254 annually) and a competitive total compensation package.

About the role

The Deputy District Attorney II position is a senior member of the Misdemeanor Team responsible for handling felony case work. Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing police reports to determine whether the District Attorney’s Office should file criminal charges
• Prosecuting criminal cases from initial arraignment through completion, including jury trials
• Managing a high volume of cases and actively engaging with other attorneys
• Making independent decisions while exercising sound discretion
• Consulting with colleagues to ensure uniform and just outcomes, particularly for 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:

• One or more years of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney
• Introductory experience with conducting jury trials
• A solid understanding of criminal law and procedure, legal research, and writing
• The ability to independently handle daily court calendars
• A commitment to equal justice and community betterment
• Experience in trial advocacy, litigating jury trials, or evidentiary hearings
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
• Effective negotiation skills with opposing attorneys
• Experience using an electronic case management system
• Empathetic communication with victims and the public
• A team-player mindset
• Ability to thrive in a high-demand, difficult decision-making environment

Prior attendance at trainings presented by the California District Attorneys Association is desirable. 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. The office’s mission is to pursue justice for the people of Sonoma County through innovative prosecution, strategic legislative advocacy, and strong community partnerships.

Serving a population exceeding 475,000, the office handles a wide variety of serious and complex criminal cases, as well as civil consumer protection and environmental crimes. Core values include:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards
• Courage: Fearlessly pursuing justice and advocating for victims
• Results Focused: Pursuing evidence-based solutions for public safety and justice
• Professionalism: Conducting work with competency, respect, and accountability
• Victim Centered: Treating victims with dignity, respect, and compassion

Benefits

• Hybrid Telework: Flexible schedules based on staff and department needs
• Salary Advancement: Increase after 1,040 hours (6 months full-time) for good performance; annual increases until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement: Opportunity to advance to Deputy District Attorney III ($175,338 - $213,115 annually)
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Health Benefits: County-paid premium contributions (100% for most employee-only and employee + family plans)
• Staff Development/Wellness: Annual benefit allowances up to $1,250 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Professional Development: $452 annual benefit
• Retirement: Pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Post-Retirement Health: County contributions to fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits: Dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits are subject to change without notice.

Requirements

• Current, active membership in the State Bar of California
• One year of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney in a position comparable to Deputy District Attorney I in Sonoma County, or equivalent experience with another prosecuting agency
• Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment (not required for this position)

Skills

• Working knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the District Attorney
• Understanding of criminal law principles, trial procedure, and rules of evidence
• Proficiency in legal research methods and judicial procedures
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents
• Ability to prepare and present legal arguments clearly and persuasively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, officials, law enforcement, and the public
• Ability to understand and accept differences in human behavior and cultural backgrounds