Chief Deputy District Attorney (Criminal)

State Bar of Nevada; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Incoming Washoe County District Attorney Wes Duncan is accepting applications for Deputy District Attorney IV ("Chief") position(s) in the Criminal Division. This role involves leading the Criminal Division, handling the widest range of complex legal assignments, and supervising other trial attorneys.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026 and Tuesday November 3, 2026. The deputy aims to attract candidates with strong trial experience and leadership skills to serve in

Qualifications

• Experience as a prosecutor; leadership and supervisory ability; strong trial experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Deputy District Attorneys I–III; handle complex cases and administrative duties.
• Develop, prepare, and present the most complex issues before tribunals; contribute to budget and policy.
• Mentor staff, evaluate performance, and participate in personnel actions as needed.

Job description

Incoming Washoe County District Attorney Wes Duncan is accepting applications for Deputy District Attorney IV (\"Chief\") position(s) in the Criminal Division.

Intent: Mr. Duncan seeks candidates wishing to work in the new administration starting early January 2027. During the interview process, candidates will be assessed on their leadership skills, mentoring ability, trial experience, total time as a prosecutor, problem-solving skills, strategic and critical thinking, emotional intelligence, professionalism, commitment to the Office's mission, and desire to serve in a leadership position.

Please note: The interview process will be competitive and open to all applicants, including those currently working in the Office.

The Deputy District Attorney IV performs the widest variety of professional legal work as assigned in the District Attorney's Office; develops, prepares, and presents the most complex issues and cases requiring appearance before administrative, legislative and judicial tribunals along with associated work and trial work; and performs related work as required; assigns work and supervises (as required) Deputy District Attorneys I, II and III; and performs administrative duties.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026 and Tuesday November 3, 2026.

The Deputy District Attorney IV (Chief) represents the most experienced legal practitioner and additionally performs supervision and administrative assignments. Incumbents are expected to handle the widest range of the most complex legal assignments in the District Attorney's Office. Regular assignments include working independently to identify and deal with the widest variety of legal issues and most complex cases. Incumbents in this series possess subject matter expertise in a variety of legal fields based on their assigned area of practice. Incumbents provide lead direction, training, supervision and work assignment, and coordination for other professional legal and legal support staff. This class also performs administrative duties in the assigned division.

In addition to performing the duties assigned to a Deputy District Attorney in the Criminal Division, supervises other trial attorneys; monitor all aspects of work of the attorneys they supervise; keep subordinates advised as to County and internal policies and directives; contribute information necessary for the budget process; address personnel issues within the office; participate in screening individuals for employment in the criminal division; provide evaluation and feedback on employees and participate as needed in any follow-up personnel actions.