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Deputy District Attorney

County of Lake, CA
Posted Jul 30
Full Time
Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months). Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.
The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting. Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.
The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. Veteran's Preference.
To apply for County examinations - All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County's online application system. A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application. All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.co.lake.ca.us with a link to the online application. The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting. When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date. Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes. All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered – resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant. Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.
Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Benefits may vary between bargaining units. Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice. All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County's pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.

Minimum Qualifications:
DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Education and Experience:
Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.


DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY II
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney I with the County of Lake.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY III
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney II with the County of Lake.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY SENIOR
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Education and Experience:
Eighteen (18) months of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney III with the County of Lake.

Full Job Description:
DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, performs professional criminal legal work and legal research; represents the District Attorney’s Office on legal assignments; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the trainee and entry level classification in the professional Deputy District Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work (such as perform misdemeanors and less complex felony case management and prosecution) and research with guidance and supervision from more experienced staff.

This class differs from Deputy District Attorney II in that Deputy District Attorney II is the first experienced working level with incumbents performing a broader range of legal work under less supervision.

Positions in the Deputy District Attorney series are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Deputy District Attorney or District Attorney. Exercises no supervision over staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

  • Performs professional legal assignments and research.
  • Performs criminal prosecutions for misdemeanors.
  • Receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted.
  • Authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions.
  • Conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work; appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at trials; and analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for motions, stipulations, or waivers.
  • Confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges.
  • Negotiates case settlements.
  • Provides briefings and oral arguments.
  • Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
  • Drafts jury instructions.
  • Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
  • Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
  • Works with local law enforcement agencies on cases.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

  • Applicable state and federal laws, criminal law, constitutional law, and provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.
  • Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
  • Legal research methods.
  • Pleadings procedures.
  • Appellate court procedures.
  • Interviewing techniques.
  • Customer service principles and techniques.
  • Written and oral communications skills.
  • Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to:

  • Perform professional legal and legal research work.
  • Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
  • Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
  • Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Conduct effective negotiations.
  • Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
  • Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
  • Effectively represent the District Attorney’s Office with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.
  • Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Education and Experience:
Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY II

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, performs a variety of professional criminal legal work and legal research; represents the District Attorney’s Office on a variety of legal assignments; plans and coordinates investigation for the prosecution of legal cases; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the experienced working level classification in the professional Deputy District Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision.

This class is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney I in that the latter is the entry and training level with incumbents performing a narrower range of legal work under closer supervision.

This class is further distinguished from Deputy District Attorney III in that the latter is the advanced journey level with incumbents performing a broader range of the more complex legal and trial work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Chief Deputy District Attorney or District Attorney. Exercises no supervision over staff. May provide lead direction to incumbents in the class series and for legal support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

  • Performs professional legal assignments and research.
  • Performs criminal prosecutions for misdemeanors and felonies.
  • Receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted.
  • Authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions.
  • Conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work; appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at trials, and analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for motions, stipulations, or waivers.
  • Confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges.
  • Negotiates case settlements.
  • Provides briefings and oral arguments.
  • Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
  • Drafts jury instructions.
  • Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
  • Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
  • Works with local law enforcement agencies on cases.
  • Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

  • Applicable state and federal laws, criminal law, constitutional law, and provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.
  • Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
  • Legal research methods.
  • Interviewing techniques.
  • Pleadings procedures.
  • Appellate court procedures.
  • Customer service principles and techniques.
  • Written and oral communications skills.
  • Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to:
  • Perform professional legal and legal research work.
  • Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
  • Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
  • Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Conduct effective negotiations.
  • Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
  • Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
  • Effectively represent the District Attorney’s Office with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.
  • Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney I with the County of Lake.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY III

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, performs a variety of professional criminal legal work and legal research; represents the District Attorney’s Office on a variety of legal assignments; plans and coordinates investigation for the prosecution of legal cases; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level classification in the professional Deputy District Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision.

This class is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney II in that the latter is the experienced working level with incumbents performing professional range of legal work under closer supervision.

This class is further distinguished from Deputy District Attorney Senior in that the latter is the highest professional level with incumbents performing the more complex legal and trial work with minimal guidance and supervision.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Chief Deputy District Attorney or District Attorney. Exercises no supervision over staff. May provide lead direction to incumbents in the class series and for legal support staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

  • Performs professional legal assignments and research.
  • Performs criminal prosecutions for misdemeanors and felonies.
  • Receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted.
  • Authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions.
  • Conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work; appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at trials, and analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for motions, stipulations, or waivers.
  • Confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges.
  • Negotiates case settlements.
  • Provides briefings and oral arguments.
  • Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
  • Drafts jury instructions.
  • Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
  • Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
  • Works with local law enforcement agencies on cases.
  • Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

  • Applicable state and federal laws, criminal law, constitutional law, and provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.
  • Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
  • Legal research methods.
  • Interviewing techniques.
  • Pleadings procedures.
  • Appellate court procedures.
  • Customer service principles and techniques.
  • Written and oral communications skills.
  • Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to:
  • Perform professional legal and legal research work.
  • Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
  • Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
  • Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Conduct effective negotiations.
  • Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
  • Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
  • Effectively represent the District Attorney’s Office with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.
  • Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney II with the County of Lake.

DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, SENIOR

DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs a variety of the most complex professional legal work and legal research; represents the District Attorney’s Office on assigned cases; plans and coordinates investigations for the prosecution of legal cases; performs specialized legal work; provides lead direction and work coordination for other professional legal staff; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the highest level in the professional Deputy District Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform the most complex professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision. In addition, incumbents may have lead and training duties for less experienced Deputy District Attorneys, as well as specialized legal assignments.

This class differs from Deputy District Attorney III in that Deputy District Attorney Senior is the advanced journey level with incumbents normally not assigned the lead/training responsibilities or the same degree of specialized legal work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from the Chief Deputy District Attorney or District Attorney. Incumbents may provide work direction and coordination for professional legal staff and legal support staff, as well as exercise administrative responsibility for a specialty area of legal services.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

  • Performs a variety of the most complex professional legal assignments and research.
  • Assigned responsibility for an area of specialized legal services.
  • Performs a variety of criminal prosecutions.
  • Receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted.
  • Authorizes and drafts criminal complaints and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions.
  • Conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work.
  • Appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at preliminary hearings, trials, and Grand Jury proceedings.
  • Analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations, or waivers.
  • Confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges.
  • Negotiates case settlements.
  • Provides briefings and oral arguments.
  • Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
  • Drafts jury instructions.
  • Presents opening statements.
  • Interrogates and cross examines witnesses.
  • Argues points of law.
  • Presents final arguments and summations.
  • Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
  • Works with local law enforcement agencies on cases.
  • Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases as assigned.
  • Provides lead direction and work coordination for other professional legal staff.
  • Assigned to act on behalf of the District Attorney in the District Attorney’s and Chief Deputy District Attorney’s absence.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

  • Principles of Criminal, Constitutional, Civil, and Administrative Law.
  • California codes and statutes applicable to criminal law.
  • Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
  • Legal research methods.
  • Interviewing techniques.
  • Computers and software used in professional legal work.
  • Principles of lead direction and training concepts.
Ability to:
  • Provide lead direction and training to less experienced professional legal staff.
  • Perform professional legal and legal research work.
  • Perform specialized legal work, based on in-depth knowledge of a specialty area and specific work experience.
  • Maintain administrative responsibility for an assigned area of legal services.
  • Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
  • Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
  • Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional legal work.
  • Effectively represent the District Attorney’s Office with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies and other government jurisdictions.
  • Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
  • Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients.

Licensing and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.


Education and Experience:
Eighteen (18) months of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney III with the County of Lake.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field. As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions. Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law). Incumbents in this position may not have any drug or alcohol related felony convictions.

Disaster Service Workers:
As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.
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