Deputy District Attorney I

Contra Costa County; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County's District Attorney's Office is seeking eight Deputy District Attorney I professionals to serve in California. The role emphasizes public safety, ethical prosecution, and efficient handling of cases.

Responsibilities include prosecuting misdemeanors, hearings, reviewing reports, and negotiating pleas with defense attorneys and judges while upholding integrity and community trust.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Licensed to practice law in California or awaiting results of the July 2026 bar exam.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing and advising victims about prospective criminal complaints and court processes
• 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

Skills

Prosecutorial discretion

Legal research

Victim interviews

Courtroom procedures

Education

Active California Bar

Job description

The Position

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 Position

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 eight (8) Deputy District Attorney I vacancies.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• Committed to public service
• Able to exercise sound judgment and thoughtfully exercise prosecutorial discretion
• Able to pursue just results in an ethical and responsible manner
• Self-motivated and able to handle a large volume of cases
• Enthusiastic about principles and application of criminal law
• Able to communicate effectively with all persons
• Innovative and efficient at legal research methods

What you will typically be responsible for

• Interviewing and advising victims about prospective criminal complaints and court processes
• 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 he/she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the applicationprocess.

Registration: Active membership in the State Bar of California.

PERSONS AWAITING THE RESULTS OF THE JULY 2026 BAR EXAM ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY - Applicants are eligible to apply for this position if (1) they are licensed to practice law in this state by the State Bar of California, or (2) they have taken the most recent bar exam administered by the State Bar of California and are currently awaiting the results of that bar exam, or if they have passed the California State Bar exam and are currently awaiting certification from the State Bar of California regarding their eligibility to practice law in this state. 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 next phase of the recruitment process.
• Training and Experience Questionnaire: Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire at the time of filing. The responses to the training and experience questions on the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates' r elevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Deputy District Attorney I Classification. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website .