DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I-III (CRIMINAL)

Washoe County District Attorney; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washoe County District Attorney's Office is seeking candidates for Deputy District Attorney I, II, and III in the Criminal Division, with a start in early January 2027. The roles progress from entry-level to senior, involving a range of criminal litigation and court appearances.

Applicants must be licensed to practice in Nevada, be members of the State Bar of Nevada, and be eligible for admission to federal courts. ABA-accredited law degree and a valid driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Current, valid license to practice law from the Nevada Supreme Court.
• Membership in the State Bar of Nevada.
• Graduation from an ABA accredited law school.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must be admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Northern District of Nevada, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Responsibilities

• Deputy District Attorney I performs entry-level professional legal work to introduce the Deputy to the practice of law in the District Attorney's Office.
• Deputy District Attorney II handles a variety of professional legal work, including case development, court appearances, trial or appellate work, and advising public clients.
• Deputy District Attorney III performs complex legal work, handles high-level proceedings, and supports advanced trial work within the District Attorney's Office.

Skills

Licensed attorney

Nevada Bar member

US courts admission

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Incoming Washoe County District Attorney Wes Duncan is accepting applications for Deputy District Attorney I, II, & III position(s) in the Criminal Division.

Intent: Mr. Duncan seeks candidates wishing to work in the new administration starting early January 2027.

Please note: The interview process will be competitive and open to all applicants.

• The Deputy District Attorney I performs entry-level professional legal work that is designed to introduce the Deputy to the practice of law in the District Attorney's Office.
• The Deputy District Attorney II performs a variety of professional legal work in the District Attorney's Office; develops, prepares and presents cases requiring court and/or administrative tribunal appearances; trial and/or administrative tribunal and/or appellate work; represents the state in criminal or enforcement proceedings or serves as legal counsel to mid-sized local and regional public clients; and performs related work as required.
• The Deputy District Attorney III performs a wide variety of the professional legal work as assigned in the District Attorney's Office; develops, prepares, and presents the most complex issues and cases requiring appearances before administrative, legislative and judicial tribunals along with associated work and trial work; and performs related work as required.

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

This is an unclassified, appointed position.

Upon selection, candidates must successfully pass an extensive background check and investigation conducted by the District Attorney’s Office and submit a complete set of fingerprints.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2026.

• Current, valid license to practice law from the Nevada Supreme Court and membership in the State Bar of Nevada. Must be able to be admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Northern District of Nevada, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
• Graduation from an ABA accredited law school.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• A Deputy District Attorney I will have some experience in the practice of law.
• A Deputy District Attorney II will have one year of experience equivalent to that of a Deputy District Attorney I in Washoe County in the assigned area of practice, or equivalent experience.
• A Deputy District Attorney III will have substantial legal experience equivalent to that of a Deputy District Attorney II in Washoe County in the assigned area of practice.