Need help hiring top legal talent? Contact our team.
This job is expired. See open roles here

Deputy District Attorney I-IV - District Attorney's Office

Humboldt County
Posted Jun 26
Eureka, California
DEFINITION

PLEASE NOTE: Applications will be collected and forwarded to the department on a weekly basis until the position closes.

Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature in representing the County in prosecuting criminal and civil offenders; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned cases. The work may be related to prosecuting cases in any of a number of legal specialty areas. Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels. Deputy District Attorney IV is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff. While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the prosecution of cases from pretrial through appeal stages. These classes are distinguished from Assistant District Attorney in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for major areas of County prosecution activities and may act as the District Attorney on a relief basis.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Evaluates incoming complaints involving juvenile and adult offenders, family support issues, etc; recommends cases to prosecution, negotiate or dismiss.
  • Interviews witnesses and victims of civil and criminal activities; reviews and analyzes evidence, police and other agency reports and other materials related to pending cases.
  • Provides direction to law enforcement and investigative personnel related to investigation of criminal offenses; provides advice as to applicable laws, court decisions and legal authorities.
  • Negotiates with defense counsel at pretrial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.
  • Reviews, analyzes and researches allegations; makes determination as to appropriate charges following receipt of agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings.
  • Assists and advises District Attorney investigators and law enforcement agencies regarding investigations in process.
  • Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute and/or mediate pending cases; maintains current knowledge of changing case law.
  • Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
  • Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the prosecution case.
  • Maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
  • Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.
  • Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to experience, proficiency and complexity of assigned cases as specified under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:
  • Civil and criminal law and procedures.
  • Pleading and practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.
  • Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
  • Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.
  • State and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.
Skill in:
  • Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
  • Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
  • Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
  • Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting County operations.
  • Representing the County effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
  • Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements:
Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
Deputy District Attorney I: ($25.77 - $33.07/hr) Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university, plus an appropriate law degree.
Deputy District Attorney II: ($30.68 - $39.37/hr) In addition to the above, one year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution.
Deputy District Attorney III: ($35.81 - $45.76/hr) In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of three years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution.
Deputy District Attorney IV: ($42.22 - $54.18/hr) In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of five years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution. Demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex and high penalty cases with a minimum of supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy District Attorney IV.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CalPERS Retirement


  • Tier I: Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7 @ 55
  • Tier II: Post 7/6/2012: 2.0 @ 55
  • Tier III: Post 1/1/2013: 2.0 @ 62

Selection Procedure
The County’s Human Resources system operates by a set of rules and procedures which ensure that employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit and fitness for the job. Jobs are filled through competitive examinations. A complete online application is required for this position. All application materials will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Those candidates considered to be the most qualified, based on the application materials submitted, will be invited to a written and/or oral examination, or an evaluation of education and experience.

Policy of Nondiscrimination
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Human Resources is wheelchair-accessible by entering the Courthouse from the ramp located on the east side of the building next to the marked handicapped parking. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact Human Resources at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination for assistance.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.

How to Apply
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications may only be submitted online through the County’s automated application system at http://www.humboldtgov.org/hr no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.

It is important that your application show all the relevant experience and education you possess.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in this examination will be compared with the performance of others who take the test. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Scores will be provided in writing only.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS: Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES: Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six months, but may be up to one year. All designated safety employees serve a one year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Similar Opportunities