Senior Deputy District Attorney

The District Attorney’s Office is seeking a dedicated and ethical legal professional to serve as our next Senior Deputy District Attorney. In this key role, you will lead complex prosecutions, conduct legal research, coordinate with law enforcement on major investigations, and litigate challenging cases in court. You will also provide guidance to lower-level attorneys, serve as a lead on multi-attorney projects, and may assume supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Deputy District Attorney Supervisor.

If you’re committed to integrity, public service, and making a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply and advance your career with the District Attorney’s Office.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides lead direction, training, and work review to assigned District Attorneys and support staff; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities, and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work, assists in the evaluation, development and implementation of work procedures and methods.  
• Performs legal activities involving the investigation and prosecution of complex, high profile, and highly sensitive criminal or civil cases with minimal supervision; prepares and presents cases in court. 
• Performs complex trial work, including jury selection, examination and cross-examination, and argument of the prosecution case. 
• Evaluates incoming law enforcement reports involving juvenile and adult offenders; review reports and files cases and handles all aspects of prosecution from arraignment to sentencing. 
• Reviews, analyzes, and researches allegations; makes determination on the appropriate charge following receipt of the agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings. 
• Interviews witnesses and victims; reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, and other material 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, upcoming legislation, and legal authorities; assists and advises district attorney investigators and law enforcement agencies regarding investigations in progress. 
• Negotiates with defense counsel at pre-trial hearings regarding case disposition or modification. 
• Prepares for court calendar and appears in court for trials, hearings, and pleadings. 
• Makes recommendations regarding sentencing and presents the position at sentencing and revocation hearings. 
• Researches law and precedents to obtain legal authority needed to prosecute pending cases.  
• Performs appellate research and drafts appellate briefs, pleadings, bail recommendations, motions, and other legal documents; appears in the designated court of appeal. 
• Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court staff 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. 
• Communicates with Victim Witness to notify victims and witnesses to advise on the status of the case; obtain information and schedule meetings or court appearances. 
• Serves as a liaison between the DA’s office and various organizations and state and federal agencies; services on committees, task forces, and other groups.
• Assign and review work of lower-level Deputy District Attorneys and support staff. 
• May represent the District Attorney’s Office at Grand Jury proceedings and trials.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Must possess active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California. 

Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience practicing as a licensed attorney in the field of criminal law; preferably in a county government setting. 

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
• Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, including a credit check. Ability to work irregular hours as necessary and travel within and outside the County.