DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I

County of Los Angeles; California; On-site; USD 87,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office seeks Deputy District Attorney I for a one-year training assignment. You will work under supervision to prosecute cases, conduct hearings, and prepare legal documents while gaining broader courtroom experience.

The role requires CA Bar admission, strong trial and research skills, and the ability to collaborate with law enforcement, witnesses, and colleagues across departments. Successful completion leads to promotion opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to the California State Bar to practice law in California.
• Active California State Bar Card (CSBC) with current year indicated.
• If recently admitted, provide bar exam documentation showing passing score and admission readiness.
• All correspondence must be on California State Bar letterhead.
• Moral character and MPRE requirements must be satisfied.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and conducts preliminary hearings.
• Tries misdemeanor and felony cases and argues related motions.
• Reviews cases for legal sufficiency for charging crimes.
• Communicates with witnesses, law enforcement, attorneys and other parties.
• Prepares and organizes extensive discovery and exhibits for court.
• Conducts legal research and drafts opinions, pleadings, briefs.
• Acts as courtroom advocate for the District Attorney.
• Assists in prosecution of more complex cases.
• Prepares computer-based presentations for court proceedings.
• Visits the crime scene when appropriate.
• Discusses trial strategies with higher-level attorneys.
• Negotiates with defense attorneys regarding dispositions.
• Obtains evidence of prior convictions and provides discovery timely.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Trial preparation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

A9271L

We welcome applications from everyone!

FILING PERIOD

The application filing period will begin on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) – Continuous.

We will continue accepting applications until the needs of the recruitment have been met. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

Los Angeles County, with almost 10 million residents, is the nation’s most populous county and one of Southern California's largest employers! With more than 100,000 employees across 39 departments and 2,100 different job types, we provide vital and diverse public services, including law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities. We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

JOINING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA) is the largest local prosecutorial office in the United States. Our jurisdiction spans 4,084 miles, stretching from the Antelope Valley to Long Beach and from Pomona to Malibu. LADA is dedicated to protecting and serving our community and safeguarding the rights of crime victims and the accused alike through an unrelenting pursuit of justice. That pursuit of justice will ensure that not just the result, but the process itself reflects the highest standards of fairness, impartiality, and integrity. Incoming Deputy District Attorneys will receive ongoing support and training from some of the nation's most accomplished trial prosecutors. Become a champion for justice with LADA.

SPECIAL SALARY INFORMATION

New appointments shall be compensated at Step 6 ($8,582.75) of the DDA I salary range.

What does a Deputy District Attorney I do?

As a prosecutor, you will work closely with District Attorney Investigators and local law enforcement agencies, review felony and misdemeanor investigations and determine whether sufficient evidence is present to file criminal charges, decide on the appropriate charge(s), and handle related court proceedings, including trials. Your role as a Deputy District Attorney is vital to fulfilling the mission of the Office.

The Deputy District Attorney I position is structured as a one-year training assignment. Following the successful completion of a 12-month probationary period, you will have an opportunity to apply and be promoted to the Deputy District Attorney II position.

• Prepares and conducts preliminary hearings. Tries misdemeanor and felony cases and argues related motions such as search and seizure.
• Reads, understands, and analyzes legal documents (e.g., courtroom transcripts, pleadings, police reports, expert witness reports, statutory and non-statutory legal motions, affidavits, arrest and search warrants, court orders, statutes, appellate case law, and jury instructions) related to criminal prosecution.
• Reviews cases for legal sufficiency for the purpose of charging crimes.
• Communicates with witnesses, defendants, law enforcement, investigators, attorneys, and other interested parties regarding cases. Instructs witnesses on courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.
• Prepares and organizes extensive legal discovery, evidence, and exhibits to be presented in court.
• Conducts legal research to prepare written reports and draft various legal documents (e.g., opinions, pleadings, briefs, and points and authorities).
• Acts as a courtroom advocate on behalf of the District Attorney.
• Assists in the preparation and prosecution of the more complex criminal cases.
• Prepares computer-based presentations for use by the prosecution in court proceedings.
• Visits the crime scene when appropriate.
• Discusses trial strategies, factual, ethical, and legal issues, and potential case dispositions with higher-level attorneys.
• Negotiates with defense attorneys regarding the disposition and modification of charges.
• Obtains evidence of prior convictions and provides discovery in a timely manner.

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY

All applicants must be admitted to the California State Bar Association to practice law in the State of California. Types of acceptable documents include:

• A legible copy (photocopy or PDF format) of an active California State Bar Card (CSBC). The CSBC must indicate the current year. If the watermark of the current year is not visible, your application will be rejected.
• If you recently passed the bar and do not have a bar card, a legible copy (photocopy or PDF format) of a letter from the California State Bar Association that clearly states that you have achieved a passing score on the California State Bar Examination AND that you have satisfied ALL of the requirements for admission to practice law at the time of filing.

All correspondence must be on the California State Bar letterhead.

Congratulatory letters indicating you have NOT satisfied ALL of the requirements for admission to practice law will not be accepted. Examples of outstanding requirements include:

• Records indicate that your Application for Determination of Moral Character has not been completed or still needs to be submitted. Early submission is strongly encouraged, as this process may take several months to complete. Failure to complete this requirement may result in the rejection of your application.
• Records indicate that you have not taken the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
• Records indicate that you have outstanding fees.

Law graduates with provisional licenses are not eligible to participate in this examination.

To receive credit for your Bar Card, include a legible copy with your application.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to apply an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS

2 – Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

LOCATION AND SHIFT REQUIREMENTS

Deputy District Attorneys are rotated through a variety of developmental assignments to prepare for handling cases of increasing difficulty; incumbents may be assigned to work in any area of Los Angeles County and on any shift (e.g., evenings, nights, weekends).

EXAMINATION CONTENT

Our assessment process for this exam consists of a:

Structured oral interview weighted 100% of your score, which includes an opening statement exercise and will evaluate your knowledge of criminal law and procedures, prosecutorial ethics, and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.

NOTE: All notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application.

Standardized examination materials are not subject to review, as outlined in the CSR 7.19. However, the following material is available for review:

- Interview Results Report

ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION

Applicants who passed the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of 6 months. Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the District Attorney's Office as they occur.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES

For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD

All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (ARDI)

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

TESTING ACCOMMODATION

If you require accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for testing accommodation.

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT US

Exam Number: A9271L

Department Contact Name: Exams Unit

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Departmental Contact Email: [e-mail]

ADA Coordinator Phone: [phone]

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