Deputy District Attorney

Contra Costa County; California (MO); On-site; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Serve the community

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

A government agency in California is seeking a Deputy District Attorney I to enhance public safety and seek justice. This role includes interviewing victims, trying misdemeanor cases, and preparing court documents. Ideal candidates possess strong critical thinking and oral communication skills. Applicants need an active membership in the California Bar and must have a valid California driver's license. This position offers a dynamic work environment with daily challenges and the opportunity to serve the community.

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed attorney in California or wait for results of the California Bar exam.
• Strong critical thinking skills required for analyzing legal information.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.

Responsibilities

• Interview victims and provide legal advice.
• Represent the state in misdemeanor cases in court.
• Prepare legal documents and collaborate with other legal professionals.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Reading Comprehension

Oral Communication

Negotiating

Valuing Diversity

Education

Active membership in the State Bar of California

Possession of a valid California driver's license

Job description

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is committed to seeking justice and enhancing public safety for all our residents. To achieve this, we work tirelessly to determine the best outcome for all parties in the criminal justice system by ethically and responsibly considering each case.

The District Attorney's Office is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill one (1) Deputy District Attorney I vacancy.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing and advising victims about prospective criminal complaints and court proceedings
• Trying misdemeanor cases and conducting preliminary felony hearings
• Completing police agencies’ requests to review reports and issue criminal filings
• Collaborating with defense attorneys and judges to discuss plea agreements
• Researching and writing legal points and authorities and presenting them in court
• Preparing pleadings and other papers in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings

A few reasons you might love this job

• You will work in a fun and dynamic environment with others who have strong values and integrity
• You will serve the community through the daily pursuit of justice
• You love the courtroom environment and the honor of representing the People of the State of California
• You will be challenged daily in a fast-paced work environment
• You meet with diverse members of our community from all backgrounds and thoughtfully consider their perspective as you pursue each case

A few challenges you might face in this job

• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines
• Working as part of a team and ensuring that your level of preparation sets others up for success
• You will need to stay current and adjust to trial and hearing procedures

Competencies

• Required: Critical Thinking — Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding and using written information
• Establishing Credibility — Doing what one commits to doing and respecting confidentiality
• Handling Stress — Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics — Displaying honesty and adherence to principles
• Accountability — Being responsible for one’s actions
• Self-Management — Showing personal organization and discipline
• Listening — Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication — Engaging effectively in speaking
• Negotiating — Reaching mutually satisfying agreements
• Professional Impact — Presenting oneself as a positive representative of the organization
• Valuing Diversity — Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensure — Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license. Out-of-state licenses accepted during the application process, if permitted by policy.
• Registration — Active membership in the State Bar of California
• Additional Note — Persons awaiting results of the February 2026 Bar exam are encouraged to apply. Applicants may be licensed to practice law in this state or may have taken the most recent bar exam and be awaiting results. Proof of California Bar admission will be required prior to hire date.

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application; applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process.
• Training and Experience Questionnaire: Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire; responses will be used to evaluate candidates' relevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Deputy District Attorney I classification.