Deputy District Attorney IV

Starting salary up to $114.44/hour ($238,850 annually) with a competitive total compensation package.

About the role

As a Deputy District Attorney IV (DDA IV), you will prosecute the most complex and challenging cases in the office, including felony rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, and all homicide cases. This senior position requires independent work and sound discretion in prosecuting and disposing of serious and violent felonies. You will demonstrate leadership, mentor less experienced prosecutors, and make significant decisions about case dispositions and trials within professional responsibility and office policy. DDA IV prosecutors handle specially assigned cases, such as homicides or other "high-profile" matters, in addition to normal duties.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute complex felony cases, including homicide, rape, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
• Exercise independent discretion in case dispositions, filing, and trial readiness for serious and violent felonies.
• Mentor and provide leadership to less experienced prosecutors.
• Handle specially assigned cases, including high-profile matters.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, law enforcement, defense attorneys, judges, court staff, and the public.
• Ensure equal justice and access to the criminal justice system for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, sexual identity, ethnic origin, or nationality.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree and active membership in the California State Bar by date of hire.
• Extensive experience in criminal felony prosecution, including jury trial experience in homicide and/or other complex, serious, or violent felonies.
• Experience with sensitive victims, language or cultural barriers, expert testimony, and multiple-defendant prosecutions.
• Significant law and motion experience, including research and drafting pleadings in complex matters.
• Well-versed knowledge of the California Penal and Evidence Codes, with a solid grasp of felony sentencing.
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with short timelines.
• Commitment to criminal justice, victim advocacy, and community safety.
• Attendance at California District Attorneys Association or National District Attorneys Association seminars (desired).

About the District Attorney's Office

The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, led by District Attorney Carla Rodriguez, is the largest legal office in the county, with 138 employees, including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and clerical support. The office handles serious and complex criminal cases, as well as civil consumer protection and environmental crimes for a population exceeding 475,000.

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 victim justice.
• Professionalism: Conducting work with competency, respect, and accountability.
• Victim Centered: Treating victims with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Benefits

• Hybrid telework options, depending on assignment.
• Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (6 months full-time) for good performance, with annual increases until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Paid time off: competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holiday hours per year.
• County-paid health premium contributions: 100% premium coverage for most employee-only and employee + family health plans.
• Staff development/wellness: annual benefit allowances up to $1,250 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• Annual professional development benefit: $452.
• Post-retirement health reimbursement arrangement: county contributions to fund post-retirement health insurance.
• Retirement: a pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• 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 student loan debt relief (eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness).

Qualifications

Experience: Four years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including two years at a level comparable to Deputy District Attorney III in Sonoma County, or equivalent experience with another prosecuting agency. Specialty training in felony prosecutions, environmental, consumer, or appellate practice is desirable.

License: Active membership in the State Bar of California. A valid driver’s license may be required for certain assignments.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the duties, powers, and limitations of the District Attorney’s office.
• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, trial procedure, rules of evidence, legal research, and judicial procedures.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including clear and persuasive presentation of legal arguments.
• Sound judgment and adaptability in fast-paced, changing courtroom situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, officials, courts, law enforcement, and the public.
• Training and mentoring abilities for attorney staff, law enforcement, and related personnel.
• Cultural competency and understanding of diverse human behaviors and backgrounds.