Deputy District Attorney III

About the role

The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office is recruiting for two Deputy District Attorney positions at the Deputy District Attorney I, II, III, or IV levels depending on qualifications. As a Deputy District Attorney III (DDA III), you will prosecute misdemeanor and a wide variety of felony cases, including conducting preliminary hearings and jury trials, reviewing matters for filing, handling courtroom calendars (arraignments, bail hearings, law and motion, felony sentencing), and managing a heavy caseload. This role exercises independent judgment in resolving and trying cases, may provide guidance to less experienced prosecutors, and reports to a Chief Deputy or Assistant District Attorney while collaborating within prosecution teams.

Ideal candidates

• Juris Doctorate degree and current active membership in the California State Bar by date of hire.
• Two or more years of licensed legal experience with significant trial experience, including prior felony jury trial experience.
• Selfless commitment to challenging work for community betterment and dedication to equal justice and access regardless of race, gender, sexual identity, ethnic origin, or nationality.
• Demonstrated experience with filing misdemeanor and felony cases, calendar management, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanor and felony trials.
• Significant knowledge of and experience with California criminal law and procedure, including recently enacted statutes and case law.
• Excellent communication skills for interactions with co-workers, law enforcement, defense attorneys, judges, court staff, and the public.
• Strong interest in criminal justice and desire to assist crime victims while holding the guilty accountable, protecting the innocent, and preserving victims’ dignity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with short timelines.
• Prior attendance at California District Attorneys Association or National District Attorneys Association seminars in Trial Practice, Felony Sentencing, and related criminal prosecution areas is highly desired.

Minimum qualifications

• Legal experience subsequent to State Bar admission directly related to the listed knowledge and abilities.
• Normally two years of licensed legal experience practicing criminal law, including one year comparable to Deputy District Attorney II in Sonoma County; or two years of licensed legal experience with related experience in Environmental and Consumer Law, Juvenile Law, or equivalent experience with another prosecuting agency.
• Current active membership in the State Bar of California by date of hire.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license may be required depending on assignment; this position does not require a valid California driver’s license.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the duties, powers, and authorities of the District Attorney’s Office; criminal law principles; trial procedure and rules of evidence; legal research methods and judicial procedure; California statutory and constitutional law; and written and oral communications.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents; prepare and present clear, logical, and persuasive statements in written and oral form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, courts, law enforcement, officials, and the public; and understand and accept differences in human behavior and cultural backgrounds.

Benefits

• Hybrid telework schedule depending on assignment.
• Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (6 months full-time) for good performance, with annual increases thereafter until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Career advancement opportunity to Deputy District Attorney IV ($196,502 – $238,850 annually) with time and good performance.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holiday hours per year.
• 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.